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 Roo'adelphia on Apr 28, 2015 10:00:07 GMT -5
Im gonna say good for the longterm, obviously bad for this year. The tents which were a plus of the whole thing end up just being tainted bargaining chips for the sale. The only issue I see is that profit will be that much more important with a new partner to pay at the end of the day. Could affect the angle in which the festival has been approached in the past.
Site improvements! We could get permanent bathrooms! I'm also eager to see if they use the farm site for other shows/festivals outside of Bonnaroo.
I'll hold judgment until I see what (and if any) changes are made.
Yea, I think that's a big part of it (using the site for other shows/festivals). I remember them saying that they've tried for a few different things that always ended up falling through for one reason or another. Usually that the events that wanted to hold something there would pull out. I wouldn't be surprised if we start to finally see more events at the Roo location.
Post by trimalchio on Apr 28, 2015 10:07:48 GMT -5
I think there will be more events there as well. I am surprised they don't just have regular concerts there on the What Stage year round, even if they don't want to try more than one festival.
I doubt they put out permanent restrooms though, except maybe in the VIP areas, or back stage, or something. Seems like that would be a massive piping investment to accommodate flow to and from the farm just for one week a year. Though that could be a good idea for smaller events, but again, their ultimate placement would probably not affect Bonnaroo that much. Seems like they'd have to put so many out to make a dent in the general population that it wouldn't be worth it. I almost think permanent restrooms would be filthier than port a potties.
Who makes guacamole happen!?!? Does a tabloid like the University of Oklahoma student paper make guacamole happen or do ME AND YOU make it exist? Just cause they write about it doesn't make guacamole exist - ME AND YOU MAKE IT EXIST!
Post by gardenfresh on Apr 28, 2015 10:07:54 GMT -5
My thoughts (x-posted on /r/bonnaroo)....
Although this scares me, It's kind of inevitable. I have some guesses and ideas on what this could mean, but don't quote me on any of this because this is really just guesses based on my experience on what is possible:
Possible Pros:
A bigger jump on the headliner market. Livenation as backer, Bonnaroo can benefit with exclusivity contracts and have more $$$ to throw around for more solid headliners.
An improved infrastructure from multi angles. This deal includes Livenation acquiring Great Stage Park. Can we start the petition now for: better water filtration, more paved roads, improved landscaping (grass has been getting greener every year!). Other stuff too would probably fit in this category that I am not thinking of.
Sustainability. Now that Roo is backed by the biggest concert promoter, I'm not worried about them falling through the market and losing popularity. Now, we know Bonnaroo will always be a part of the big four and stay competitive.
Possible Cons:
We will likely be stuck with the majority of the lineup being "Livenation bands". That is, bands represented by Artist Nation or bands that use Livenation exclusively for tour management.
Livenation is in many ways, how can I say this-- THE DEVIL?! This only confirms that the jam-based peace-and-love roots that Bonnaroo were founded on are now gone and it's really being recognized for the $$$ maker it is.
Things I think people are overreacting on, and really nobody has to be worried about
Sponsorship and more "corporate" aspects at the fest. If anyone has been inside Centeroo at all in the past six years, than they know that we've already been infiltrated by the corporate sponsorship devils. Remember that Bonnaroo makes their vendors/sponsors give out something for free or provide a free service-- so not all is lost.
Higher ticket prices. It's already happened this year, and more increases are inevitable. This will happen no matter who owns the festival and who backs it.
This is all my personal opinion and is somewhat of a ramble-- I am just shocked by this news.
Something I like about most festivals is their independence from corporations. I wonder what the tents will be named next year and what other changes will happen in the next few years =(((
Which other big festivals are independent from corporations?
Post by coanbread751 on Apr 28, 2015 10:09:15 GMT -5
Hello All. I haven't posted on these boards in several years, and I haven't attended a Bonnaroo since 2009 for various reasons (new jobs, lack of funds, etc.), but I felt like it was necessary to comment after reading today's news. Bonnaroo was a huge part of my life for several years and I attended every year from 2005-2009. I feel that the festival seemed to lose a little magic every year...not because of the move away from jam bands (I championed this decision) or the increasing ticket prices (what can you do? Inflation) etc. My main beef with the festival was that in the transition from jam bands, they seemed to be replacing these acts with unproven entertainment. Meaning, at one point you could go to Bonnaroo and every single band on the lineup were proven, road-tested performers who were given and filled a minimum of 1 1/2 hour time slot. The festival slowly shifted away from this ...bringing in flavor-of-the-month acts that now perform 40 minute sets.
You can argue all that you want about what the shift in musical styles did to the crowd, the vibe, etc. None of that really matters to me. I go to festivals for the music. To see legendary performances that I will tell my children about. To see a band that I had never heard of before (The Mars Volta) blow my 15-year-old mind at 2 AM. To see a fresh off of Z, My Morning Jacket play Rolling Stones, Gram Parsons, and Who covers in That Tent. To see Radiohead play the longest set of their career. To watch moe. play until the sun came up. To watch John Mayer play rhythm for Herbie Hancock. There was a time when this festival was about music and musicians. It was about inviting the best bands and musicians in the world down to a farm in TN to play at the highest level possible for 4-days. I just don't feel like that is the case any more.
I don't know what the Live Nation purchase will do to future Bonnaroo's (They may actually get to book Prince now!!!), I could care less who owns the festival. But to me, Bonnaroo has just become Coachella East. Albeit on private property and with late night sets. One look at the schedule this year and I'm glad that I didn't buy a ticket. Anyway, sorry for the rant. I know that Roo is a magical place and that I would have an absolute blast if I went down in June, but it is disappointing to know what the festival once was and to see what it has become.
Site improvements! We could get permanent bathrooms! I'm also eager to see if they use the farm site for other shows/festivals outside of Bonnaroo.
I'll hold judgment until I see what (and if any) changes are made.
Oh my god permanent bathrooms would be amazing! Even the ones Coachella used this year for GA would be enough. Bonnaroo really needs to step up their art installations too. That caterpillar/butterfly thing this year at Coachella was ridiculous!
Last Edit: Apr 28, 2015 10:17:15 GMT -5 by Linz - Back to Top
This sentence stands out to me: "Superfly and AC Entertainment will continue to plan and execute the day-to-day operations of the festival and signature Bonnaroo initiatives, such as sustainability efforts and involvement with the Manchester community. Bonnaroo's non-profit arm, the Bonnaroo Works Fund, will continue to be a priority."
To me, this means our beloved festival now has deeper pockets to dig in in order to make the improvements we've been asking for (screens at tents, anyone?). I'm not going to get all worried about it unless some major negative changes happen.
Hello All. I haven't posted on these boards in several years, and I haven't attended a Bonnaroo since 2009 for various reasons (new jobs, lack of funds, etc.), but I felt like it was necessary to comment after reading today's news. Bonnaroo was a huge part of my life for several years and I attended every year from 2005-2009. I feel that the festival seemed to lose a little magic every year...not because of the move away from jam bands (I championed this decision) or the increasing ticket prices (what can you do? Inflation) etc. My main beef with the festival was that in the transition from jam bands, they seemed to be replacing these acts with unproven entertainment. Meaning, at one point you could go to Bonnaroo and every single band on the lineup were proven, road-tested performers who were given and filled a minimum of 1 1/2 hour time slot. The festival slowly shifted away from this ...bringing in flavor-of-the-month acts that now perform 40 minute sets.
You can argue all that you want about what the shift in musical styles did to the crowd, the vibe, etc. None of that really matters to me. I go to festivals for the music. To see legendary performances that I will tell my children about. To see a band that I had never heard of before (The Mars Volta) blow my 15-year-old mind at 2 AM. To see a fresh off of Z, My Morning Jacket play Rolling Stones, Gram Parsons, and Who covers in That Tent. To see Radiohead play the longest set of their career. To watch moe. play until the sun came up. To watch John Mayer play rhythm for Herbie Hancock. There was a time when this festival was about music and musicians. It was about inviting the best bands and musicians in the world down to a farm in TN to play at the highest level possible for 4-days. I just don't feel like that is the case any more.
I don't know what the Live Nation purchase will do to future Bonnaroo's (They may actually get to book Prince now!!!), I could care less who owns the festival. But to me, Bonnaroo has just become Coachella East. Albeit on private property and with late night sets. One look at the schedule this year and I'm glad that I didn't buy a ticket. Anyway, sorry for the rant. I know that Roo is a magical place and that I would have an absolute blast if I went down in June, but it is disappointing to know what the festival once was and to see what it has become.
I don't understand why you would want to go back to the Bonnaroo of years past. The music scene is rapidly changing and therefore the music festival climate will too. Sure, there are bands that are "flavor of the month" acts but there are also proven acts on the lineup that are sure to be great. I also have no idea how people can call this Coachella East. Is Lollapalooza the Midwest Coachella? No.
We will likely be stuck with the majority of the lineup being "Livenation bands". That is, bands represented by Artist Nation or bands that use Livenation exclusively for tour management.
This doesn't seem to be a problem at any of the other festivals with large corporate investors/owners, including the other fests in which LiveNation is involved.
My worry is that maybe one of my favorite bands will be represented by say AEG or a different promoter, and thus be excluded from Bonnaroo.
This doesn't seem to be a problem at any of the other festivals with large corporate investors/owners, including the other fests in which LiveNation is involved.
My worry is that maybe one of my favorite bands will be represented by say AEG or a different promoter, and thus be excluded from Bonnaroo.
LiveNation bought Lolla and booked AEG client Paul McCartney the first year.
1. Good for AC/SF if they were able to monetize their investment and this wasn't done under duress. Curious how much spread they were able to make. Acquiring the land prior was a brilliant move and would significant increase multiple as its a real asset. 2. While its easy to brand Live Nations as the devil (or any other corporate music entity) I'd say the jury is out. They could royally fuck it up, they could add resources and amplify the message. Time will tell 3. Consolidation has already been happening, to see it rise to the top layer means there are likely to be additional roll ups under GV, LN. New formula Step 1. Start Festival Step 2. ??? Step 3. Profit.
The only shitty thing I see is that you lose some of the creativity on the talent buying side when nothing is independent any more, but I imagine its highly likely that the competition and contractual limitations were becoming cumbersome and it was a measured decision to see greater things happen under the larger tent of LN.
I can't get over someone calling Paul McCartney a "flavor of the month." Never thought I'd see that here.
I thought that was referring to the Hozier/Lumineers type band.
Well, yeah those acts are going to be hit and mostly miss. But, that's just the nature of festivals these days. There are only X amount of acts touring. If you want to fill a schedule... or 80% fill a schedule like Bonnaroo did this year, you have to pull from the hot new acts some time.
It can't just be Widespread Panic, Gov't Mule, String Cheese and _____ from the Grateful Dead in every slot.
I can't get over someone calling Paul McCartney a "flavor of the month." Never thought I'd see that here.
I thought that was referring to the Hozier/Lumineers type band.
I'm sure he was, but calling that lineup up flavor of the month crap based on one or two bands would be stupid. It's the type of thing someone does when they're old and out of touch with new music and want to blame it on the quality of new music rather than being old and out of touch.
Bonnaroo 2008-2013
0ct 11 Pearl Jam
Oct 12 Pearl Jam
March 16 Arcade Fire
April 29 Arcade Fire
Sept 4 Wilco
Sept 9 The Hold Steady
Oct 16 Pearl Jam
Oct 17 Gaslight Anthem
I thought that was referring to the Hozier/Lumineers type band.
I'm sure he was, but calling that lineup up flavor of the month crap based on one or two bands would be stupid. It's the type of thing someone does when they're old and out of touch with new music and want to blame it on the quality of new music rather than being old and out of touch.
I thought that was referring to the Hozier/Lumineers type band.
Well, yeah those acts are going to be hit and mostly miss. But, that's just the nature of festivals these days. There are only X amount of acts touring. If you want to fill a schedule... or 80% fill a schedule like Bonnaroo did this year, you have to pull from the hot new acts some time.
It can't just be Widespread Panic, Gov't Mule, String Cheese and _____ from the Grateful Dead in every slot.
Which I wouldn't want. I like the occasional band that I intend to never see again. The poster I responded too just wants jam bands. Obviously that's unsustainable. Even though Bonnaroo lost his ticket sales for the past several years they have gained more thanks to the diverse lineups they have produced.
edit: I'm one of the people they gained. I'm sure there are many on Inforoo as well.
This sentence stands out to me: "Superfly and AC Entertainment will continue to plan and execute the day-to-day operations of the festival and signature Bonnaroo initiatives, such as sustainability efforts and involvement with the Manchester community. Bonnaroo's non-profit arm, the Bonnaroo Works Fund, will continue to be a priority."
To me, this means our beloved festival now has deeper pockets to dig in in order to make the improvements we've been asking for (screens at tents, anyone?). I'm not going to get all worried about it unless some major negative changes happen.
Screens will happen this year.
I'm aware of this. I wonder if it had to do with the deal.
