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 jimmyjames420 on Apr 26, 2007 0:57:49 GMT -5
The moment where I decided to come to bonnaroo every year as long as they have it was during The Flaming Lips set in 2003. (this was my first bonnaroo...) They played an incredible set, then came back for an encore which was Breathe, Over the Rainbow, and Us and Them (pink floyd/ wizard of oz) Us and Them is one of my favorite songs ever, and during it, I turned around to see hundreds of grins, and "the globe of death" which was 3 guys on motorcycles in a tiny circular cage suspended 10 feet above the ground.
needless to say I was overwhelmed, and I realized that I will always come back...
"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
This year will be my first Bonnaroo, and from what I keep hearing you guys saying I already know that I will be going as long as they have it. This year is especially awesome for me cause June 14 is my B-day!
For me it has to be 2005 John Prine bringing in the thunderstorm at the end of "Flag Decal", the tears were flowing.
And 2006 being at the foot of the stage for Electric Eel Shock when mosh pit erupted, and crowd surfing about 10 guys over the fence. Iron Man, naked drummer, crazy eyed lead guitarist, WOW.
Two totally different moments that could only happen at Roo. I'm 50 and loved every minute.
Post by oatmealschnappz on May 1, 2007 23:38:25 GMT -5
You wanna know one of my best Bonnaroo experiences? Last year (friday evening) we were standing in line for one of the "World Famous Grilled Cheese"s, talking (to each other) about how we couldn't believe that we hadn't found any "cigarettes". This totally random guy overheard us, turned around and gave us a great-big "cigar"! That was so cool and entirely unexpected! That really epitomized the spirit of Bonnaroo, in my opinion! Thank you.....VERY nice guy!!
There have been many great moments at my two Bonnaroo's so I'll just pick one. In '04 after the massive rainstorm and an incredible Dead set, I bounced around from one show to the other. They were all great. Tokyo Ska Orchestra, Ween, Robert Randolph, and Primus.
I finally had to head back to my tent, completely exhausted. As I was walking back Primus launched into a perfect note for note rendition of "YYZ", a Rush instrumental. I was a big fan of Rush back in the day and this just made the whole 'Roo for me.
Its funny how the Roo finds ya! I don't think you actually find it, the Roo finds you! Example: My first was hitchhiking thru Tn. from Ga. I was heading out of Chattanooga, up 24 where the river runs by, anyway headed out down the freeway, Rides were slow, And I kept hearing horns beep at me. Every car that honked had Bonnaroo wrote on the back of it. I kept saying to my self what the f**** is Bonnaroo? Well after walking about 2 hours, this van picked me up and said; are you going too the Roo? I said I am now where and what is it? Well let me just say thank you! who ever you are that picked me up that great day!!!!! That one ride changed my life forever!!!!!! Well they dropped me off at walmart, I was a day early, and I hustled up a ticket. ;D
'06 - Saturday night. The entire night was amazing. I had one of the greatest journeys of my life that night. Everything that happened seemed to be the right thing to be happening to me. I found a 20 dollar bill on the ground, I caught key moments of both the big late nighters (Right Place, Wrong time, Dr. John and Phil's sit in with GRAB), I met some great and very kind people..I just had an over all amazing night. I mean, I've had nights at festivals like that before, but something about this one was different. it's something I can't explain.. it was like nothing could go wrong for me, if only just for one night. It changed my life in a small way.
Post by soundtribe_junkie on Sept 1, 2007 9:27:36 GMT -5
This was my first Roo this year, although I had wanted to come for years. I have been to many fests before but none on this scale with this kind of diversity in music. As far as the music goes, there was the all-consuming sweaty gritty good dance times for everything I saw. That was great in and of itself.
What made it special for me though was the atmosphere. My definitive moment was laying sprawled out under the lightening fly area, being so tired and feeling so good. My sis and I got our nuts and drinks out and set to recharge. I loved watching all the little groups under this area, lighters lighting up bowls, and people rambling by....and looking back up to the lights on the ferris wheel, just feeling what its like to be truly alive and relaxed.
Post by hellbilly26 on Sept 7, 2007 14:06:53 GMT -5
On the way into Centeroo...people pouring in on a Thursday night. The collective gypsy chants, loud clapping, and cheering it astonished me...the crowd alone blew me away. No music. The people walking together like a buzzing bee hive. It was like walking past the cream of the crop of humanity. I've never been around a group of people that beamed with so much intelligence, compassion and awareness. I took notice of how the vast majority of people were athletic. The vast minority were sickly, obese and feeble.
The family spirit overwhelmed me...I've never been with "my people" like that before. It's hard getting use to walking with the wolves after spending a lifetime walking with sheep!!!
This was my first Roo this year, although I had wanted to come for years. I have been to many fests before but none on this scale with this kind of diversity in music. As far as the music goes, there was the all-consuming sweaty gritty good dance times for everything I saw. That was great in and of itself.
What made it special for me though was the atmosphere. My definitive moment was laying sprawled out under the lightening fly area, being so tired and feeling so good. My sis and I got our nuts and drinks out and set to recharge. I loved watching all the little groups under this area, lighters lighting up bowls, and people rambling by....and looking back up to the lights on the ferris wheel, just feeling what its like to be truly alive and relaxed.
I knew then I would always be back.
I frickin' love that the "central scrutinizer" finds it more tasteful that a couple of sisters get out their nuts !!!
The crowning moment for me was passing a cardboard sign to Sasha during this years set. I know it must sound lame, but it really really did it for me. Then after the set walking back to camp and stumbling across the crowd beating the Hell out of the water trough.
i remember thinking, "wow. What are they gonna do, tell us we can't do that? This is The People's Republic of Bonnaroooo!"
Post by soundtribe_junkie on Sept 8, 2007 8:26:11 GMT -5
I remember the water trough thing!! ...I was so exhausted from the dancing all I could do was stand there and watch...it was 5 am and there were people playing a trough, thats all I could think at that point.
When the show was ending I had no idea it was about light...I remember their last song ended...they were mixing a voice in that was saying.."bring it on...bring it on" .... again and again, and then everybody would just go crazy
After the very last note the voice said....DO IT AGAIN....
I thought that was so effing great...I looked up and it was LIGHT outside..wow
I think I was in such awe the entire time this past year (it was my first year) that I don't think it really hit me until I got into the car Monday morning and my friend and I were pulling away. The tears began to well up in my eyes and I felt like a total sap for crying. But, I knew the tears were because of the amazing time I had over that weekend and how wonderful of an experience it was. I promised myself I would be back every year after that. About a month later my friend and I were sitting at a bar and made a promise to eachother that we would go every year together, no matter what. And I know that promise will last!!
Post by strumntheguitar on Sept 19, 2007 21:57:45 GMT -5
Here's my moment. It occurred this year, at the Flaming Lips late night set.
The laser pointers had been tossed out to all of the crowd and the Lips were rocking up on stage and I looked around and noticed it seemed like I was the only one in the crowd without a laser pointer. I looked over at my friend's who were having a laser pointer battle amidst the smoke coming from their mouths and I looked at my other friend and said "Man... this show is sick so far, but all I really want right now is a friggin' laser pointer!" No lie, about half a second after I said that a laser pointer came flying through the air and hit me square in the face. Just one laser pointer had been tossed, not a handful, and it seemed to have targeted me alone. I stood there a bit dazed, picked it up and looked at my friend and we both just started laughing. It was at that point, where I realized that Bonnaroo was not just a farm... it was, simply put, heaven
And i could really relate. It seemed like i was the only one without a laser pointer as well. It was my first Flaming Lips show and i thought that Flips fans just knew to bring a red laser light. I guess i missed the moment they flung out the lights.
Before Flaming Lips, with everyone who was up front to the right of the stage (I know there were tons of you here also there) was an absolute blast! The music playing before the set, the sound check, the throwing of the lighters, Wayne's hilarious babbling... so great. Such a great mood...
The whole Tool concert for me, was a great experience. Maybe not the best "roo moment" but great concert.
I think this year's top moments for me are tied:
DJ Shadow's set. Now I had mixed feelings about the show as a whole, namely the more rap oriented of his material, but that was amazing.being able to observe everyone around you having as good a time if not better than yours. Met some crazy people there... craziest people I've ever seen at Roo. So that's a plus.
Ornette Coleman. Nothing to say there, other than totally inspiring.
I also have to mention the Tortoise show... I was sick, but by god I made sure that I saw that damned show. In fact I threw up in the trashcan to the left of the stage RIGHT before they came on, and lost my up front spot. But I got to see the best musical display I've ever seen.
Post by BrokenLight on Nov 7, 2007 19:54:13 GMT -5
I was completely at peace with myself, my life and the world during Wilco's set this year. I have never felt that before. It was my first Wilco show, and they have been my favorite band ever since. I felt like Jeff Tweedy was singing about me.
Post by sleepyrobin on Nov 7, 2007 20:38:20 GMT -5
this was my first bonnaroo...and i loved every minute of it. something about roo just makes you feel in touch with everyone around you. so much of the time, we are cut off, alienated from our fellow humans, but at bonnaroo...everyone's a friend, no one is a stranger. need a little water? no prob, the guy standing next to you at "this tent" has plenty to spare, and maybe even a squeeze breeze to cool you off. setting up your camp and realized you left your toolkit at home? no worries, your neighbor has a hammer you can use, and heck, he'll even help you lift your extremely heavy cooler out of your car!
i went with 2 other newbies, and when we first arrived on thursday, we set up camp, and then we were just sitting around relaxing before going to centeroo. a really nice guy came over and told us that we were welcome to join him at his tent near the forest line, and partake of a little moonshine with his friends. we thanked him and he went on his way, making his rounds and inviting everyone over for a little "firewater" as he put it. my friends and i just stared after him in awe, thinking...wow, this is amazing! and that was just the beginning. everyone at bonnaroo was wonderful, and bonnaroo wouldn't be bonnaroo without the "bonnaroovians!"
i wish the whole world was like bonnaroo!! i go from day to day feeling cut off from humanity, but something about roo just brings out the absolute best in people. i CAN'T WAIT for 2008!!
This was me and my wifes first. EVERYTHING was great...maybe not the dust... The only way I can only explain how much was packed in by only describing that two hours of sleep seemed like 20, the smell didn't matter, and when I left my first word were "Man, I cant wait until next week"
My definative roo moment was in 2006, my first year. My friends and i was just sitting down somewhere in centeroo and these 2 girls came over and sat with us. We were talking to them and they asked if we had been on the ferris wheel yet. We said no, and one of the girls gave us 20 bucks to ride the ferris wheel. I was just like wow, this place is filled with the greatest people on earth. We tried to say no and give back the money but she wouldnt let us, so the next day we used the 20 bucks to ride the ferris wheel, and the view of everything and thinking about why i was there was just an amazing feeling.
i think one of my definative roo moments [of the many] was on the way home from roo. it was me, my best friend, and my brother on our drive to atlanta. we decided to stay until monday morning and leave bright and early. on the way home we stopped at an IHOP. when we walked in i'm sure we looked extremely attractive. considering we hadn't showered in 4 days. hardly slept in 4 days. were pretty much sick of each other. overall, exhausted and bummed the weekend was over. when we went into the restaurant the hostess took one look at us, said "table for 3?" we all just kinda grunted and then he asked "are you guys ok?" we all just laughed cause i'm sure that guy had no idea what we had been through the previous 4 days.
Post by strumntheguitar on Nov 8, 2007 3:57:25 GMT -5
I just thought of another very definitive 'Roo moment. It definitely just put me in the proper mindset for rest of the weekend. Here it goes:
So this was my first Roo ever, so I only expected so much. Let's just say I had expected to sleep through the heat and rise much later than 7 am everyday. Obviously, this didn't happen. On Friday morning I awoke at 8 am, drenched in sweat and physically incapable of falling back asleep due to the heat. I figured I'd crawl out of my bed, expecting everyone else to still be asleep and to just sit outside in the shade by myself for a few hours. Little did I know, when I unzipped that tent, it seemed as if the whole world was up, waiting for me to rise and join them. I looked over at my friends and they were indulging in a glass friend of mine while sippin on some brew. It was at that point where I realized how incredible Roo really was, and how standard rules simply don't apply. At Roo, your day literally starts immediately upon opening your eyes ;D
