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!!
"The Lord is my shepherd...I shall not want for nothing. He makes me lie down in the green pastures. He greases up my head with oil. He gives me kung-fu in the face of my enemies. Amen." -Tom Cullen - The Stand
I think a lot of people here are thinking about this as a "what are these people going to do to ME or MY bonnaroo" situation, rather than a "what are we/bonnaroo going to do to THEM". For example, I was never a huge jam band fan, which is what kept me away from roo despite loving festivals and the whole culture that bonnaroo seems to foster (define that how you will). Now that there is a more varied lineup I felt more comfortable buying a ticket, and once I paid $200+ for that you can be sure I started checking out everyone else. It gave me an excuse to finally listen to Widespread Panic and Sound Tribe and so on. I really don't think most people will give up that kind of money and time commitment just to go check out Tool and be assholes (no offense to Tool fans, I'm just giving an example). Rather than wondering how all the noobs are going to ruin the good time I would hope that you'd be excited to show everyone like me how it's done.
I'll even make you all a deal: if this year isn't as much fun, I'll never come again.
Post by bojangles22 on Apr 5, 2007 11:40:18 GMT -5
I think worrying about any particular band's fans, and their' collective attitudes is a waste of time. Bonnaroo is like any place with tons of people (some are awesome some are assheads), the major thing that sets Bonnaroo apart from anywhere else is the incredible atmosphere. I think at Roo, positive and happy behavior is rewarded because everyone is there to have a good time. I personally enjoy everyones good natured attitudes at the farm, and that in turn makes me feel comefortable to enjoy myself and help anyone around me have a good time(directions, casual conversation, sharing party favors, mustache rides ect...) ther are alway gunna be thoes "vibe killas" the darkhearted folks that take pride in their ignorant, self destructive ways because they lack the positive insight to contribute to anything in a good way. but i think even thoes folks take a few days off from being pricks, because at Roo it's just easier to relax and have a great time.
So again, what is mainstream? A band like Tool gets next to no airplay, and I don't think they've had a video on MTV since the mid-90's (even then you could argue that they really did embrace the idea of music video as an art form, a visual expression of the music, rather than an empty product of consumerism). They sell loads of records to a dedicated fanbase, and sell out all over the country, without the aid of major marketing, video play, or commercial radio time. That makes them mainstream how?
I think a lot of people here are thinking about this as a "what are these people going to do to ME or MY bonnaroo" situation, rather than a "what are we/bonnaroo going to do to THEM". For example, I was never a huge jam band fan, which is what kept me away from roo despite loving festivals and the whole culture that bonnaroo seems to foster (define that how you will). Now that there is a more varied lineup I felt more comfortable buying a ticket, and once I paid $200+ for that you can be sure I started checking out everyone else. It gave me an excuse to finally listen to Widespread Panic and Sound Tribe and so on. I really don't think most people will give up that kind of money and time commitment just to go check out Tool and be assholes (no offense to Tool fans, I'm just giving an example). Rather than wondering how all the noobs are going to ruin the good time I would hope that you'd be excited to show everyone like me how it's done.
I'll even make you all a deal: if this year isn't as much fun, I'll never come again.
Thank you for this post.
Most of you seem to get the real point. "Mainstream" is just another silly label amongst an endless pile of silly labels. As long as I can dance barefoot to good music, I just don't care. To preserve the spirit of Bonnaroo, all you gotta do is keep going and be freindly to everyone you see.
The only way you can be a non-conformist is to dress like us, and listen to the same music we do.
Post by localroovet on Jun 2, 2007 18:28:26 GMT -5
Being new here and cruising your boards, I thought that I would join and add a few lines, since I am a local and have been to every Bonnaroo including Itchycoo in '99. Itchycoo is how and where it all began. Everyone that has been knows that the music is only a small part of the whole experience, but the types of bands that play, ultimatly determine types of people that come and reguardless of who plays, Bonnaroo will sell out. But for all of you Roo'ers that have been for more than one year, you know what I mean. Last year we had 95% wannabes and 5% real Bonnaroovians, which gradually dropped from the exact opposite in the beginning. This to me, is the only effect that the genre of music will have on Bonnaroo's future. Peace Out and See you There.
Post by mindexpansi0n on Jun 2, 2007 20:27:31 GMT -5
Wow... some wonderful peaceful expression in this thread, and some pure venom as well. So far, we have "lame-asses" who are supposedly only at Bonnaroo to party, and then someone letting us know that he is a "true Bonnaroovian" and everyone else is a wannabe. Personally I hope these types are minorities at Bonnaroo - I just wanna go and have a good time, meet good people, listen to good music, camp, and hell yeah, I wanna party too; I don't plan on sitting at the stage for hours gritting my teeth and getting super hyped about a band that I think it the end all be all to music when they've put out one album. I plan on wandering around, hearing good music (not needing to feel the sweat drip off someone's mic), partying my ass off, enjoying the good ol outdoors, feeling free from the b.s. pressures of work and crappy people, spending some quality time with my girlfriend, meeting really cool people who just want to relax, and being as lazy as possible for no good reason other then that I can for those few days. If I really thought the whole festival was going to be a bunch of "super-hip" Bonnaroovians calling people wannabes and lame asses and whining because "Bonnaroo just aint what it used to be... do ya remember 2003 oh my god, this sucks, so mainstream, look - those people came to party! Soooo lame" I sure as hell wouldn't be showing up. *Rant over*
Seriously, some of the very people who like to think they are "true" music fans and festival goers are the ones who give off the worst elitist better-then-you "don't you remember that Phish show - you weren't there?!?!" super crap vibes. Lighten up if this is you, and please leave the rest of us alone.
I saw one of the founders of Superfly quoted once as saying their #1 goal is for everyone - no matter how young or old, no matter what their inclinations/expectations/desires - to leave Bonnaroo thinking "I got some serious value for every dollar I plunked down for this weekend."
I do believe they have this in mind when planning - something to keep a smile on everyone's face.
Great post....I agree 100%. Besides, I bet for many people, it's the "mainstreamish" headliners that draw them to the park, only for them to discover scores of new bands they'd never heard of and a brand new appreciation for all music in general. Karma.
Post by I Can't Wait! on Jun 2, 2007 21:16:57 GMT -5
mindexpansi0n said:
Wow... some wonderful peaceful expression in this thread, and some pure venom as well. So far, we have "lame-asses" who are supposedly only at Bonnaroo to party, and then someone letting us know that he is a "true Bonnaroovian" and everyone else is a wannabe. Personally I hope these types are minorities at Bonnaroo - I just wanna go and have a good time, meet good people, listen to good music, camp, and hell yeah, I wanna party too; I don't plan on sitting at the stage for hours gritting my teeth and getting super hyped about a band that I think it the end all be all to music when they've put out one album. I plan on wandering around, hearing good music (not needing to feel the sweat drip off someone's mic), partying my ass off, enjoying the good ol outdoors, feeling free from the b.s. pressures of work and crappy people, spending some quality time with my girlfriend, meeting really cool people who just want to relax, and being as lazy as possible for no good reason other then that I can for those few days. If I really thought the whole festival was going to be a bunch of "super-hip" Bonnaroovians calling people wannabes and lame asses and whining because "Bonnaroo just aint what it used to be... do ya remember 2003 oh my god, this sucks, so mainstream, look - those people came to party! Soooo lame" I sure as hell wouldn't be showing up. *Rant over*
Seriously, some of the very people who like to think they are "true" music fans and festival goers are the ones who give off the worst elitist better-then-you "don't you remember that Phish show - you weren't there?!?!" super crap vibes. Lighten up if this is you, and please leave the rest of us alone.
I am a true music lover! I have no Idea what a "true Bonnaroovian" is, but I know of these people of which you speak, elitist I believe is a good term. I love music, but I also come to party. I think as long as you are respectful of others whilst you party then, go for it, enjoy the vibe. This is my one week with my wife without the responsibilities of being a parent or work or whatever, and I will be partying hard, but also enjoying the music, and not bothering anyone else.
So really I guess what I'm trying to say is as long as you aren't falling into my tent, thowing up on my shoes, or something of the like, I really don't care why you're there. Have a great time it really doesn't matter why you came.
Go for whatever reason takes you, just respect others around you and we'll all have a good time.
(the whole point was supposed to be.... ^^^karma for your post)
Post by mindexpansi0n on Jun 2, 2007 21:38:36 GMT -5
augwest said:
So really I guess what I'm trying to say is as long as you aren't falling into my tent, thowing up on my shoes, or something of the like, I really don't care why you're there. Have a great time it really doesn't matter why you came.
Go for whatever reason takes you, just respect others around you and we'll all have a good time.
I don't think it could be said any better - well put and I think you read my mind. Karma 4 U ;D
Based on booking trends I expect U2 next year. No judgement about it but I do expect them next year.
I dont know if you think that would be good or not - but man, they are kick-ass live. One of the greatest live shows out there.
but they will probably be in the middle of recording by next june.
But then again, I'm just a wanna-be since i've only been once, and not twice. and I only went because radiohead was there - otherwise, i wouldnt have bothered. now, unless it really goes downhill, i dont plan on missing one for many years to come.
Last Edit: Jun 2, 2007 23:08:14 GMT -5 by idio - Back to Top
Be honest. . . Have AC or Superfly ever put on a production anywhere that was in any way sub-par? I'll trust them until they give me a reason not to. Some of the bands on the recent lineups are a bit more "mainstream", but every single one of them have earned their spot in the limelight.
Just because alot of people like something doesn't mean it's not good. Take a look at the beatles. You show me one American who doesn't know who the beatles are. Groundbreaking musicians, and totally mainstream. There will always be mainstream bands. But I don't see any reason in wanting to keep them out of bonnaroo. As long as they're weeding the mainstream sellouts from the mainstream musicians I think we'll be okay.
Post by localroovet on Jun 4, 2007 21:37:23 GMT -5
For those of you that were offended by the post, then you must really not understand what the statement was even pertaining to. Just to help a few of you out, it was not to put anyone down, but only to say that all of the "peace and love" atmospere seams to be disappearing. Actually, the music of the later years is more of what I am all about. I appologize for any bad vibes and maybe I can help someone out with a free beer or two at one of the beer tents.
But for all of you Roo'ers that have been for more than one year, you know what I mean. Last year we had 95% wannabes and 5% real Bonnaroovians, which gradually dropped from the exact opposite in the beginning.
Actually, I don't wannabe anything like you...I'm content just being myself.
Last year (06) was also my first year, and I met nothing but friendly people...maybe a couple of bad apples, but I thought it was amazing that so many people could get together and be so generous and respectful (except our cokehead tent neighbors from Baltimore).
Remember, at some point in time, you went to your first festival. Would you have liked it if someone there acted like you didn't belong?
I wasn't offended, just kinda putting that out there. The ol' mile-in-another-man's-shoes bit.
Being new here and cruising your boards, I thought that I would join and add a few lines, since I am a local and have been to every Bonnaroo including Itchycoo in '99. Itchycoo is how and where it all began. Everyone that has been knows that the music is only a small part of the whole experience, but the types of bands that play, ultimatly determine types of people that come and reguardless of who plays, Bonnaroo will sell out. But for all of you Roo'ers that have been for more than one year, you know what I mean. Last year we had 95% wannabes and 5% real Bonnaroovians, which gradually dropped from the exact opposite in the beginning. This to me, is the only effect that the genre of music will have on Bonnaroo's future. Peace Out and See you There.
Look, I know you're new here- so you may not understand the intense relationships we all have. If you do cruise these boards for a year, or more, you'll see an atmosphere of peace and love. Interestingly enough, it seems to be the same atmosphere you feel Roo is losing.
I have had the distinct pleasure of both being a part of these boards for more than one year AND experiencing more than one Roo. And the most distinct change I have seen, much to my surprise, is the rising elitism of the older "peace and love" crowd. I have never seen more negative posts than by older people judging music (oddly enough, usually judging it as "mainstream," which, as many have more acutely argued than I, is absurd). It reminds me of a negativity I've heard before: When a septuagenarian I once knew regularly judged my music and my father's music. They used the same language of change and lack of cohesive, homogenous views and feelings.
What he failed to see was that the cohesiveness was still there, the variety that had always been there was still present, but he was no longer receptive to the music as it altered (as all music has and continues to). Would Phil Lesh and Bob Weir still be a part of this festival if they felt it had lost its soul?
I'll repeat one point as a member of these incredible boards: it is of a tremendous cycle of history and irony that the majority of the negativity present on these boards come from those who wish to practice exclusivity and pour judgement--- the very same who would have shoved against such feelings and expressions in another point in time.
Post by sparklybecca on Jun 4, 2007 22:38:53 GMT -5
iskew said:
localroovet said:
Being new here and cruising your boards, I thought that I would join and add a few lines, since I am a local and have been to every Bonnaroo including Itchycoo in '99. Itchycoo is how and where it all began. Everyone that has been knows that the music is only a small part of the whole experience, but the types of bands that play, ultimatly determine types of people that come and reguardless of who plays, Bonnaroo will sell out. But for all of you Roo'ers that have been for more than one year, you know what I mean. Last year we had 95% wannabes and 5% real Bonnaroovians, which gradually dropped from the exact opposite in the beginning. This to me, is the only effect that the genre of music will have on Bonnaroo's future. Peace Out and See you There.
Look, I know you're new here- so you may not understand the intense relationships we all have. If you do cruise these boards for a year, or more, you'll see an atmosphere of peace and love. Interestingly enough, it seems to be the same atmosphere you feel Roo is losing.
I have had the distinct pleasure of both being a part of these boards for more than one year AND experiencing more than one Roo. And the most distinct change I have seen, much to my surprise, is the rising elitism of the older "peace and love" crowd. I have never seen more negative posts than by older people judging music (oddly enough, usually judging it as "mainstream," which, as many have more acutely argued than I, is absurd). It reminds me of a negativity I've heard before: When a septuagenarian I once knew regularly judged my music and my father's music. They used the same language of change and lack of cohesive, homogenous views and feelings.
What he failed to see was that the cohesiveness was still there, the variety that had always been there was still present, but he was no longer receptive to the music as it altered (as all music has and continues to). Would Phil Lesh and Bob Weir still be a part of this festival if they felt it had lost its soul?
I'll repeat one point as a member of these incredible boards: it is of a tremendous cycle of history and irony that the majority of the negativity present on these boards come from those who wish to practice exclusivity and pour judgement--- the very same who would have shoved against such feelings and expressions in another point in time.
The thing that really impresses me about Bonnaroo is who all the various musicians are. These aren't just up and coming artists (although some are), but they are legends of their genre of music. We get a wide array of classic rock, acoustic rock, to jazz. I've never been to a Bonnaroo, or a festival that was consisting of only jam bands. I wanted to go because I had always heard of a very good reputation at Bonnaroo.
I really agree with the way it is this year (line up, location, size), but I also haven't seen it in person yet. Can't wait.
Like I said about five posts up that way ^, everyone has their first festival, and it can change a lot of people's lives. Where would the old heads be if they'd gone to a Dead show in '82 and had people telling them they didn't get it, that they weren't welcome?
The coolest thing to me is that Superfly is now finding a way to show a lot more people that this scene exists, as amazing as it is, and they shouldn't miss out on it. The number of people whose lives have been changed by Bonnaroo, in my opinion, is the most incridble thing of all. I hear my friends talking about "all those dirty hippies," and I just have to laugh, because they don't get it, and they would if they came.
Well, now Superfly is finding a way to expose a good cross section of society to the idea that so many people can be so free for three or four days, and that everyone shares such an intense, unspoken common bond. I think that's beautiful.
Post by jimmyjames420 on Jun 5, 2007 11:33:25 GMT -5
I have been to bonnaroo every year but the first, and I have not really seen anything taken away from it each year. I do not see it spiraling out of control into some mainstream manifestation either, what I have seen is a diverse lineup of some great musicians who continue to impress me over the years. Some of my favorite bands have played bonnaroo, and I feel lucky that Superfly shares the same taste in music that I do. I dont know about you all but I would be really bored at a festival where every band played the same style of music. There are a handful of bands who I never had a chance to see until bonnaroo, and for me that is what its about. I had never seen Beck, Radiohead, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, The Flaming Lips, or Primus before, but I was lucky enough to find a place where I could go every year and count on seeing some of my favorite music.
"Music has always been a matter of energy to me, a question of Fuel. Sentimental people call it Inspiration, but what they really mean is Fuel. I have always needed Fuel. I am a serious consumer. On some nights I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio." -Hunter S. Thompson
I think that is what is all about, the ability to hear "new music" and enjoy it with those that have heard it before. I can see where "I dont like them" attitudes come from, listening to a recording, even a recording of a live show is not the same. The Direction that I see Bonnaroo going is to continue to bring all types of music together, which brings different people together through a common bond. All of this "its lost its feeling" is seemingly taking on a judgemental attitude of wanting to keep those that are new to the Bonnaroo Experience out, which IMHO, is completely cotridictory to the spirit of Bonnaroo.
Come One, Come All. First time, all the time, last time. Listen to something you know, discover something you dont.
When we start looking at it as those that belong and those that do not, we lose sight of what it is all about anyway. Accept those that are different from you, dont liek the same music you do, party the way you do.
"Chicago is known as the Windy City, and Montana is called the Big Sky State, so I think that we should somehow combine the two to create the ultimate kite-flying experience. "-Mitch Hedberg
Post by jambandfan83 on Jun 5, 2007 12:28:12 GMT -5
There are a lot of conspiracy theorists that talk about the demise of Bonnaroo. Having been to all of them since 2002 I feel that I can voice my opinion on this. Bonnaroo has definitely grown, there's no doubt about it. But growth and change are inevitable in every facet of life, including music festivals. I respect Bonnaroo for their willingness to adapt to an ever-growing fanbase. Bonnaroo is THE model music festival, from production to sound to layout to activities - they have it all. They cater to young and old, male and female. Bonnaroo will never be Bonnaroo 2002; it just will never happen. Bonnaroo will not chop itself down to rubble either. It's obvious that the people in charge know what they are doing. I don't agree with all the changes, some just don't fit my musical tastes (if my screen name didn't imply that enough already). But thing is, there are tons of strictly "jamband" festivals out there... it is very refreshing to know that there are people out there (AC/Superfly) that are championing music for not only the fans but for the artists as well. Bonnaroo puts music out there that none of us would be aware of had they not given that particular artist a nod. Bonnaroo has changed enough that some of its original fans have now become isolated, but there are other events... Bonnaroo is just a big fish in a big pond. I can deal with the change and hope that Bonnaroo never stops trying to improve and better their festival for us, the fans, and the music that we all enjoy. Bonnaroo!!!
I think the ultimate determining factor for AC/Superfly, as has been said before, is musicians that are at the top of their respective game, whatever game that may be. In the first few yeas, they focused on jam bands and that scene mainly because they were the new kid on the block and wanted to build credibility (at least that's the way I see it). And as they gained that credibility (including being one of the "50 Moments to Change Rock and Roll"), they were able to branch out, bringing in a lot of different styles and types of music, including indie-rock, electronica, bluegrass, country, jazz, etc. This year, IMO, is the most diverse and musically talented lineup I've ever seen at a modern festival, with everyone from The Police to Ornette Coleman to The White Stripes to DJ Shadow. They consistently have been ahead of the game with up and coming artists (Kings of Leon in '04 and My Morning Jacket in '03, for example). And, why do artists pull strings during their Bonnaroo sets? Because they know that Bonnaroo is a special place, with special people, and that it is truly unlike any other musical experience you are going to receive. Why did Thom Yorke call Bonnaroo the greatest musical experience Radiohead has ever encountered? They have to be doing something right.
However, I don't think they have "sold out" by any stretch of the imagination as they have been able to maintain the vibe that they solidified in the first few years while steadily broadening the level of great musicianship they are able to present to the festival attendee. I mean, Superfly bought part of the farm?! That in and of itself is a sign that Bonnaroo is unlike any other festival in the U.S. or world. This will be my fourth Bonnaroo, and I have to say I'm more excited for this one than any of the others, including my first in '03.