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!!
Don't get me wrong, i'm excited as I possibly can be for next weekend and i've been looking forward to it ever since I left the farm last year...but I can't help but be a little worried.
Last year was my first Roo, and words can't describe how big of an impact the experience had on me. It seriously changed my life in a way...and the place was magical to me.
I'm going into next weekend with as low expecations as I possibly can. I know for a fact that nothing can ever top last year...for many reasons (mainly it being my first time). I'm a little nervous because it is so perfect in my mind, and I would hate to go back and have a subpar experience and tarnish the memory I have of the experience. I know i'll probably have a great experience regardless, but i'm using this thread to talk myself into believing it won't be just so I can only be pleasantly surprised haha.
Post by Whoreshack on May 31, 2011 16:38:03 GMT -5
Why would you wanna stop doing what you know you love? Seriously, a lot of the people posting these new, terrible concern threads need to relax and let the worry go. This is a party not a dissertation.
Post by dreamingofthefarm on May 31, 2011 16:40:09 GMT -5
I found I enjoyed my 2nd time more than the first. I knew what to expect, I knew what to and not to pack, and I spent a lot less time looking at the map trying to figure out which stage is what. You're going to have a GREAT time. No worries on the farm!
Every time I've gone back it's been better than the time before, regardless of the lineup. This will be my 5th Roo (3rd in a row) but probably my last, at least for a little while. I tell ya, I'm feeling kinda hesitant too, actually I think dreading it describes it better. Don't get me wrong, Bonnaroo is usually the one thing I look forward to all year long and nearly every great show I've seen in my life have happened on the farm, but it's getting harder and harder year after year dealing with the heat, the traffic, the crowds and camping out for 4-5 days. I just turned 30 last month, so maybe I'm just having one of those kinda moments, I don't know what you'd call it, but sometimes the things you love the most, kill you. I've always heard that before but never really started believing it until this year. I kinda look at it how I assume all my ex-girlfriends look at me. You got the great memories, maybe it still holds a special place in your heart, but you've grown kinda tired of it, maybe a little sick, and just need to forget about it for awhile. Like I said I'm only 30 and still young enough I guess, but I got a lot of things I need to take care of, like figure out my life still. Not a college graduate, no full time job or salary-paying career, and honestly the partying every weekend and going to 2-3 concerts every week is killing me. Not sure why I shared that, but it felt kinda good to say it.
Post by Chris Major on May 31, 2011 17:11:46 GMT -5
I think it gets better every year regardless of line-up. The first is always amazing, but its much more fun to know your way around, know what to expect, know what not to bother bringing, and know what to do differently after learning from experience. My first Roo I had the time of my life, it was an experience that changed the way I looked at the world. My second Bonnaroo (last year) was just quacking ridiculous. The most fun over four days that I could possibly imagine. I went with three other people who had never been before so I was the veteran, and I think I had much more fun than they did.
The first year was worries, curiosity, and pure awe. The second year was straight up "I know how to do this, lets quacking party!". This year, my third, is going to be even better because I will have mastered maximizing my Bonnaroo experience.
Don't worry man, barring anything going seriously wrong (like weather issues, health issues, bad trips, etc ha) I almost guarantee you will continue to have a more and more amazing experience each and every year that you keep attending. It's why we all go back every year.
Post by Whoreshack on May 31, 2011 17:13:20 GMT -5
I don't understand puchasing tickets, anticipating this one, great weekend all year long, then it turning to dread. Is it anxiety, maybe? If you took a year or two off, I'm sure you'd miss it and return with your second wind.
Post by girlnectar on May 31, 2011 18:02:18 GMT -5
I heard the best thing said on here and I wish i could give credit where its due but my mind is hazy... "a good person can't have a bad time at Bonnaroo"
I felt the same way after my first Roo...it literally was a life changing trip for me in so many ways, I won't even try to capture it here.
The next year, all I could do was count the days until it happened again! My second Roo was different - not better, not worse - just not the same, partially because I already had some expectations & there's not much you can do about that. Just relax and have a great time! Don't stress that it might not be "perfect". The second time, since I was better prepared, it was more effortless (and less expensive, lol). All you can do is make the most of the time and enjoy it while it lasts!
Bonnaroo is like sex. Ofcourse, it's special the first time. But it gets better when you actually know what you're doing
My first year was in 2003, and I was so unprepared. Just brought money and a case of beer. It was life changing like you said, but it could have been better. Missed alot of shows, mainly because I was lost or too f'd up. Now I'm a pro. No money, no sleep, and 100 degree heat....no problem. I'm still seeing 25-30 bands with a huge smile and a healthy buzz
Bonnaroo isn't like sex for me, because I've been to Bonnaroo four times and have only had sex once. Not just with one person, well it was with one person. I said one time. Yes. I said that on a messageboard where I don't know anyone. I don't care if you know.
Last year was my first year, and there hasn't been a day since that I haven't wished I were back on the farm. I can understand feeling a little anxiety about it not being as good as your first, but I'm so excited to be going this year and to be taking someone who hasn't been before! I can't wait to see how amazing his first time is.
Honestly the first year was the best by far for me. Mine was in 2008 and it's just the new experience that makes it better than any other year.
That being said... every year i try to find something new to experience at bonnaroo and I even make sure to bring at least 1 person who's never gone every year. Seeing them go through the same experience you did your first year is pretty awesome.
Every year brings something new and exciting. You can't help but have a novel experience every year...if you love music and enjoy great people who also love music. If you're anything like me, you spend ~350 days a year struggling through responsibilities and obligations that you'd rather not struggle with. But for 4 days a year you can dedicate yourself to music (and party favors if that floats your boat.) Bonnaroo is the privilege of living in the developed world. You have the luxury to not hunt or farm food every stinking day! Enjoy it! Few people in the history of humanity have enjoyed these perks.
I think it gets better every year regardless of line-up. The first is always amazing, but its much more fun to know your way around, know what to expect, know what not to bother bringing, and know what to do differently after learning from experience. My first Roo I had the time of my life, it was an experience that changed the way I looked at the world. My second Bonnaroo (last year) was just quacking ridiculous. The most fun over four days that I could possibly imagine. I went with three other people who had never been before so I was the veteran, and I think I had much more fun than they did.
The first year was worries, curiosity, and pure awe. The second year was straight up "I know how to do this, lets quacking party!". This year, my third, is going to be even better because I will have mastered maximizing my Bonnaroo experience.
Don't worry man, barring anything going seriously wrong (like weather issues, health issues, bad trips, etc ha) I almost guarantee you will continue to have a more and more amazing experience each and every year that you keep attending. It's why we all go back every year.
Trust us.
That's what I like to hear. I think i'm in a similar boat as you were. Last year I was just soaking it all in, just in awe and amazement at the experience I was having. It changed the way I look at life and especially at people, and for that it was a priceless trip.
This year I know what i'm doing, and i'm going to hit the ground running and party my ass off. I'm taking a few of my best friends and popping their roo cherries, and honestly that is the most exciting part for me. I want them to have the same life-changing experience that I did. I want to see their faces when the party favors hit them for the first time. I want to be able to call them up in 30 years and share stories about the amazing weekend we had.
In all honesty, I knew I was going to have a great time regardless when I made this thread, I just wanted to get some feedback with regards to the first being the best just so I know a little about what to expect. Thanks for all of your feedback!
Post by klimfactor on May 31, 2011 21:22:17 GMT -5
Bonnaroo is a win-win proposition, whether it's your first or fifth time. I loved my first time in 2006, but I had just as much fun, if not more, last year, on my fifth trip to the farm. There's just so much to see and do every year.
Bonnaroo to me is similar to the experience that the Grateful Dead and the Merry Pranksters were trying to spread during the 60's. my first year will always be my best (03, the festival has changed significantly imo since then). but for me Roo is like a complete stripping of the ego and western work-force way. it's a realization that you and everyone around you is special and unique yet we are all united in in one way, our love of music and life. Bonnaroo is a celebration of this and to me it's a realization i crave and need all the time when i'm not on the farm. this strange sensation doesn't come easily. but at Roo it is natural. if you don't feel it than somethings wrong. i'm starting to ramble. i guess what i'm trying to say, that others have already said, is that yes each Roo is unique in it's own way but you will always retain a little of that feeling you had your first year and some years will be better than others but they will all be magnificent. enjoy yourself
"Disobedience, in the eyes of anyone who has read history, is man's original virtue. It is through disobedience and rebellion that progress has been made." Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900), The Soul of Man Under Socialism
"You're either on the bus or off the bus." Ken Kesey
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." Hunter S. Thompson
We're all a mess of paradoxes. Believing in things we know can't be true. We walk around carrying feelings too complicated and contradictory to express. But when it all becomes too big, and words aren't enough to help get it all out, there's always music.
my fourth year was my best, in 09. great camping spot, great lineup, but just fully prepared and in the moment. the worst was my first, in 06, but i did see the greatest roo show ive ever seen in radiohead. next worse was the next year. you really just keep getting better at it. but then again, last year was not nearly as fun as 08 and 09. i just want my sixth to be like my fourth
In terms of "WOW" your first year will probably remain a very special memory. It's all new, everythin' you see, everyone you meet, everythin' you experience. Upon returnin' it feels familiar to me. And in the greatest way. I've had some anxiety about this year, but I know once I step out of the car and onto The Farm I will have a huge shit-eatin' grin on my face.
As will everyone. A couple weeks back someone on here posted a picture of people walking through the arch into Centeroo right after the gates opened. There isn't one single person in this huge crowd without a huge shit-eating ear to ear grin on their face. Happy as all hell, everything is right in the world when you step onto The Farm.
Someone should post that picture in here, it totally deserves to be seen again.
As will everyone. A couple weeks back someone on here posted a picture of people walking through the arch into Centeroo right after the gates opened. There isn't one single person in this huge crowd without a huge shit-eating ear to ear grin on their face. Happy as all hell, everything is right in the world when you step onto The Farm.
Someone should post that picture in here, it totally deserves to be seen again.
I saw this and it was a great picture! The beaming faces in that pic is exactly how I feel internally while I read these inforoo threads and count down the days until I'm back in Manchester, while at my shit job.
The subject of this thread is actually kind of a tough question. My first Bonnaroo trip was riddled with several problems of an amateur festival-goer, but when I think back on it and how I felt as I was leaving it was definitely the most magical. In a way, I have more fun every year since my crew and I are so much better at attending, but there's also that newness missing. However the newness isn't as great as the knowledge of what awaits me every year, when June rolls around. This year I'm taking my first Roo virgin, so I'll be able to live vicariously through him and STILL have a kick-ass, experienced time!
Yup, my first year was my best because it was so life-changing. What brought me back two more times (and will bring me back for a fourth next week) is that it's STILL so good.
Second year I knew more. I saw almost twice as many shows and was still able to see even more of the non-music stuff. Third year was even more full and I expect to keep building on that this year.
So while you won't have the knock-you-over-the-head experience you did the first year, you'll get so much more out of the farm now that you have history there. It's a very good thing.
As will everyone. A couple weeks back someone on here posted a picture of people walking through the arch into Centeroo right after the gates opened. There isn't one single person in this huge crowd without a huge shit-eating ear to ear grin on their face. Happy as all hell, everything is right in the world when you step onto The Farm.
Someone should post that picture in here, it totally deserves to be seen again.
Yes, can somebody please post this picture. I would love to see it.
Also, can someone explain where the term shit-eating grin comes from? I never understood the expression. Why on earth would you be smiling if you are eating fecal matter?
I've been to roo 2009, 2010 and am so excited about coming this year! I'm 50 years old,and spent the majority of my life doing normal mom and wife things. Each year I plan for Bonnaroo, my husband says, This will be your last year of going to Bonnaroo, right? My 5 kids along with all my friends, think I am nuts. Maybe so, but I love going by myself & spending the time at Bonnaroo getting to know myself & others.
Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers. the ones who see things differently...while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do. -Steve Jobs
