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!!
Good sound post Tactical.... About time someone with a masters in Logic shows up.
I just want Bonnaroo to be there for my kids to enjoy in 15 or so years. It has brought me so much happiness and I hope it will continue to do the same for others.
Post by Phyre Fest on Apr 28, 2015 22:15:04 GMT -5
You guys think all these idiotic comments are bad now, just wait. For years to come, anything negative related to Bonnaroo will be blamed on Live Nation, and it's going to get old so quick.
I like how people get up in arms over this and then their big complaint is "changing the name of the stages".
We should all submit new stage names.
The Stage of the Depends Adult Undergarment
The Stage of the Whisper-Quiet Maytag Dishmaster
The Tent of the Tucks Medicated Pad
The Tent of the Purdue Wonderchicken
The Tent of the Yushityu 2007 Mimetic-Resolution-Cartridge-View-Motherboard-Easy-To-Install-Upgrade For Infernatron/InterLace TP Systems For Home, Office Or Mobile
I'm bummed as much as anyone. We all know TicketMaster/LiveNation sucks (seriously, I paid $50 per ticket after fees to see Alt J and Pixies shows later this year, that's insane), but the fees are nothing new. It's been $26 per wristband since I started going in 2011. I'd hate to see it increase, but I'd also be shocked if it moves up from what it is, especially after the jump this year.
Also, we can all agree on-site improvements will be nothing but a good thing? Permanent bathrooms? Tent screens? More shaded areas? Improvements to the campgrounds? All are on the table, if not already done. And it's not like Bonnaroo has been this last bastion of music festivals untouched by corporations. Between the Olay Ladies' Rooms, Garnier Fructis lounge, Miller Lite Stage, Comedy Tent (sponsored by IFC and ComedyCentral in the past), and general activations from Ford, State Farm, and Microsoft, corporate America has been on the farm for while. For the most part, they've been unobtrusive, so it's been ok. As long as we don't show up in 2016 to hang out at the Coca-Cola mainstage, go crazy with the sponsorships.
I saw in that Billboard article that they're open to hosting more festivals on the grounds. Cool, knock yourselves out. Scale back on the EDM at Roo, and schedule an Ultra knock-off in late August/early September. Host a country festival at some point in the summer. Again, it makes sense. They own Centeroo, why not use it more than 4 days out of the year?
So yeah, in the end of the day, LiveNation could completely butcher the festival we all know and love, but until I see actual signs of that happening (rather than a single down year), I'm still on board. Just don't fuck it up, LN.
You guys think all these idiotic comments are bad now, just wait. For years to come, anything negative related to Bonnaroo will be blamed on Live Nation, and it's going to get old so quick.
nothing new, just like when MTV bought it a few years ago.
You guys think all these idiotic comments are bad now, just wait. For years to come, anything negative related to Bonnaroo will be blamed on Live Nation, and it's going to get old so quick.
nothing new, just like when MTV bought it a few years ago.
Bet MTV is laughing to the bank, having now sold it to Live Nation.
Live Nation Entertainment Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
Live Nation Entertainment Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
Live Nation Entertainment Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster
Live Nation Entertainment Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster
Fuck YOU ticketmaster for EVERYTHING you are and represent. So y'all thought that $40 price hike was fun? Wait till ticketfucker gets to charge their fees! Ticketfucker is going to destroy this fest. Yep I'm now one of those people who is saying "such and such is going to RUUIIN BONNAROOO!!!!" because if anyone knows how to dominate pure corporate greed over art it's ticketfucker. On general principle I refuse to give ticketfucker any of my money. I go to the Boxoffice if it's a show whose tickets can only be purchased from ticketfucker (aka ANY VENUE that has a capacity of more than 1000). I am super bummed about this. I'd rather give my money to MTV & Clear Channel before giving anything to ticketfucker. Perfect HATE is inadequate to represent how I feel and have felt about ticketfucker. Time to find a new fest. That is just fucking sad...
EDIT: I haven't read any of this thread yet. I got to that paragraph and uncontrollable rage took over. Now I shall read the thread.
The Tent of the Yushityu 2007 Mimetic-Resolution-Cartridge-View-Motherboard-Easy-To-Install-Upgrade For Infernatron/InterLace TP Systems For Home, Office Or Mobile
Every stage can be the Stage of the Depends Adult Undergarment if you're committed enough to getting that front-row spot. You just gotta believe in yourself (and absorbency).
I'm bummed as much as anyone. We all know TicketMaster/LiveNation sucks (seriously, I paid $50 per ticket after fees to see Alt J and Pixies shows later this year, that's insane), but the fees are nothing new. It's been $26 per wristband since I started going in 2011. I'd hate to see it increase, but I'd also be shocked if it moves up from what it is, especially after the jump this year.
Also, we can all agree on-site improvements will be nothing but a good thing? Permanent bathrooms? Tent screens? More shaded areas? Improvements to the campgrounds? All are on the table, if not already done. And it's not like Bonnaroo has been this last bastion of music festivals untouched by corporations. Between the Olay Ladies' Rooms, Garnier Fructis lounge, Miller Lite Stage, Comedy Tent (sponsored by IFC and ComedyCentral in the past), and general activations from Ford, State Farm, and Microsoft, corporate America has been on the farm for while. For the most part, they've been unobtrusive, so it's been ok. As long as we don't show up in 2016 to hang out at the Coca-Cola mainstage, go crazy with the sponsorships.
I saw in that Billboard article that they're open to hosting more festivals on the grounds. Cool, knock yourselves out. Scale back on the EDM at Roo, and schedule an Ultra knock-off in late August/early September. Host a country festival at some point in the summer. Again, it makes sense. They own Centeroo, why not use it more than 4 days out of the year?
So yeah, in the end of the day, LiveNation could completely butcher the festival we all know and love, but until I see actual signs of that happening (rather than a single down year), I'm still on board. Just don't fuck it up, LN.
Well said, though I wouldn't bate your breath on scaling back electronica. They've been doing a pretty eclectic mix of artists for 10 years now, and dance music brings in a lot of their target demo; it's here to stay. If anything, I think you'll see an increase in dance music, though maybe not quite to the same levels as Coachella just yet.
Other festivals on the site now seem like a matter of when, not if. From their recent Reddit AMA: "We have [considered other festivals on-site] and are working on it. We believe the Bonnaroo site can be a great venue for other types of events."
I like that the article mentions upgrades to the site. I think the partnership will help with the lineup but I hope Roo doesn't lose some of the things that makes it unique like the quality direction they have been taking in the lower top and middle card electronic booking, the showcasing of world music, and the Sunday bluegrass tent.
And by upgrades we mean you will now be able to purchase UPGRADES (WHOO WHOO WHOO WHOO) to where you get parked. Base level for out chillin chumps will be PODs 8, 10 & 11 for no additional cost. But for only a modest $80 (plus applicable fees) you can secure our Deluxe spots located in POD 1! Holy Shit it's like your right inside of Centeroo! Just a little further away! But maybe you wanna get EVEN CLOSER but don't wanna have to break the bank well dog for just a paltry additional $75 (plus applicable fees & purchase of the Deluxe upgrade and applicable fees) you can rock & ROLLLLLL like a savvy festival veteran! YeEAAHhh BITCH!!! With our Premium Deluxe spots in PODs 2 & 4 (doesn't include camping below East 3rd St or east of 8th ave). Shit you'll be so fucking close that you'll think you can smell Billy Joel's breath like he is creeping in your tent late at night!!! YOLO!!!! etc etc...
I like that the article mentions upgrades to the site. I think the partnership will help with the lineup but I hope Roo doesn't lose some of the things that makes it unique like the quality direction they have been taking in the lower top and middle card electronic booking, the showcasing of world music, and the Sunday bluegrass tent.
And by upgrades we mean you will now be able to purchase UPGRADES (WHOO WHOO WHOO WHOO) to where you get parked. Base level for out chillin chumps will be PODs 8, 10 & 11 for no additional cost. But for only a modest $80 (plus applicable fees) you can secure our Deluxe spots located in POD 1! Holy Shit it's like your right inside of Centeroo! Just a little further away! But maybe you wanna get EVEN CLOSER but don't wanna have to break the bank well dog for just a paltry additional $75 (plus applicable fees & purchase of the Deluxe upgrade and applicable fees) you can rock & ROLLLLLL like a savvy festival veteran! YeEAAHhh BITCH!!! With our Premium Deluxe spots in PODs 2 & 4 (doesn't include camping below East 3rd St or east of 8th ave). Shit you'll be so fucking close that you'll think you can smell Billy Joel's breath like he is creeping in your tent late at night!!! YOLO!!!! etc etc...
Thanks. Here's the text for anyone who wants to read:
AC Entertainment founder Ashley Capps and Superfly co-founder Rick Farman talk to Billboard about a monumental move.
In yet another aggressive move into the North American festival space, Live Nation has acquired a controlling interest in the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tenn., as well as an interest in the 750-acre site it sits on known as The Farm, for an undisclosed amount. Founded by Superfly and AC Entertainment (and significantly financed in the beginning by Red Light Management founder Coran Capshaw), Bonnaroo was, until this morning, the largest independent music festival in the U.S., and the Live Nation acquisition of the fest follows similarly structured deals with Lollapalooza/ACL producer C3 Presents, and Electric Daisy Carnival producer Insomniac.
But Bonnaroo is a different animal entirely. With annual attendance of more than 80,000 and an estimated gross in the $25 million range, and the overwhelming majority of attendees staying onsite for the festival’s entire four-day run, Bonnaroo is the most immersive of the major U.S. music festivals, a four-day city with nearly constant entertainment, its own post office, newspaper, cinema, and acres of campsites. Launched in 2002 at the height of the neo-jam band movement, Bonnaroo years ago transcended its hippie roots, presenting such artists as Metallica, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Kanye West, Elton John and 2015 headliners Billy Joel, Mumford & Sons and Deadmau5. In an exclusive interview, Billboard spoke with Bonnaroo co-producers Rick Farman, co-founder of Superfly (with partners Rich Goodstone, Jonathan Mayers, and Kerry Black), and Ashley Capps, president of AC Entertainment, about the future of Bonnaroo, why Live Nation, and why now.
Billboard: What influenced the decision to partner with Live Nation on Bonnaroo?
Ashley Capps: The conversations built organically from discussions about partnering with Live Nation on some other festival concepts that might take place on The Farm. We started talking about potential infrastructure development and, really, one conversation led to another. As these discussions went forward, internally we felt like this was a strategic alliance that could really help us take Bonnaroo to the next level and strengthen the festival for years to come.
Rick Farman: That’s certainly the history of how it unfolded. As we got into these discussions, [Live Nation CEO] Michael Rapino did a fantastic job, as he did with other entrepreneurs, of creating a dynamic where we’ll be empowered to go, as their partner, take this thing to the next level. We feel like having a partner that brings to the table all of the knowledge, scale and assets that they do puts Bonnaroo in an amazing position to continue to be one of the leaders in the space and provide the best fan experience possible. We love partnerships, this business was founded on great partnerships -- between Superfly, AC and Coran [Capshaw], and this is another step in building the best team to continue to have the most amazing festival possible.
You’re already one of the most important rock festivals in the world, with one of the highest attendences and grosses, and beloved by fans. So what’s the next level?
Farman: Well, for starters, part of this arrangement is to make some significant site improvements. We’re basically going to get right to work at bringing The Farm to an even greater level of fan experience. We’re not ready to talk about details yet, as we have a lot of work to do, but now we have the resources and the partner to help us bring the facility to a whole new level. That’s a huge element of this, for sure. And then, in general, being able to not only access the vast resources and dollars that Live Nation as a company has, but also to engage in dialogue with some of the other festival partnerships and entrepreneurs they’ve brought into the fold. We’re going to be looking to collaborate and share ideas and resources to have that knowledgebase for us.
Capps: The key words are "enhance” and “evolve.” It’s not like there’s going to be any sudden transformation, at all. The team that has been working on The Farm and producing the Bonnaroo experience from the very first year to the present day is the same team, it’s going to remain the same team. This will simply give us the access to resources and knowledge that will enable us to evolve the festival experience in a really compelling way.
Formally or informally, did you guys talk with the [Insomniac founder] Pasquale Rotella or the C3 guys, who made similar moves with their own very distinctive festival brands, and did that play a role in your decision?
Farman: Those guys are all contemporaries and people we respect greatly and, informally, we followed their history, and we’ve had dialogue over the years about how their businesses have evolved. And a lot of the things we’ve heard over the years about how Michael [Rapino] and the team that he has, how they do business, how they support entrepreneurialism and people in our positions, how they’re good partners, all of that. As we were getting into forming this partnership, all of what we’d heard in the past really shined through.
I’m sure there have been other offers in the past, and you sell out the festival every year, so why now?
Capps: Yes, there have been discussions, off and on, for years, but timing is everything, and we felt this was the right time in the history of this festival to make this move. It was right for us, it was right for the festival, it was right for the environment out there. It was time to strike this type of strategic alliance.
In some ways is it a validation of what you guys have built?
Farman: Absolutely. As I said before, we built this business on partnerships, and having a company like Live Nation come to the table and want to be part of that partnership in the way that they are here, and making the commitment to taking Bonnaroo to the next level, is an extremely gratifying, humbling validation of the hard work that not only my team and Ashley’s team have put in, but certainly all the people part of the Bonnaroo family that helped this thing become what it is. We couldn’t be more excited to move forward with our team in the new partnership in this regard.
Does this deal impact your other interests, like Outside Lands in San Francisco for Superfly and Forecastle in Louiville for AC?
Capps: It doesn’t impact them in a structural way at all, Live Nation is not buying AC or Superfly. But I think we all are looking forward to developing this relationship, and I know we all look forward to exploring what the future may hold. But there are no discussions or plans along those lines, this is strictly a Bonnaroo deal.
In what ways would fans notice this year or in coming years that there has been a change in the structure of the ownership of Bonnaroo?
Farman: I don’t think you’ll see anything this year. The major change people will notice over the coming years is in how we improve the Farm and the things we’re able to do in that regard. Otherwise, it’s kind of business as usual for Superfly and AC. We’re the operators going forward, and the team that has been producing it is going to continue producing it, and that’s what we’re empowered to do here, use the resources and support that the Live Nation network provides and to go on and do that great job we’ve been doing for many years. Ultimately, if you’re a fan of Bonnaroo, you’re going to see us be able to do things that the community has always asked for. Other than that, I don’t think there will be any significant or meaningful impact that fans of Bonnaroo, people that are part of our community, the people in the local community, will see. The only adjunct to that is we’re going to put a greater emphasis on bringing some other events to the Farm, which I think will be beneficial to everyone involved, the Bonnaroo community and the local and regional community, as well.
I imagine that more than a few Bonnaroo fans will be a little leery of this announcement. What will you do to address fan concerns that things might change at Bonnaroo?
Capps: The experience of the festival itself will address the fans’ concerns. The values of Bonnaroo, the vibe of Bonnaroo, no one wants to see that change, it’s not going to change. This alliance with Live Nation is only going to give us the resources to continue to improve that experience perhaps a little more quickly than we’ve been able to do before, in terms of just basic infrastructure that enables us to do what we do better.
In the deeply immersive festival game in the U.S., Bonnaroo is at the top of food chain, and it’s not really Live Nation’s expertise in North America. So it would seem they have more to learn in operating this type of festival than vice versa, would you agree?
Farman: I think we’ll add something significant in terms of our knowledge and creativity and vision to that organization, absolutely, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity this affords us to be connected to other festival promoters globally. Certainly, we have deep respect for our contemporaries over here [in the U.S.], but we’ve also been inspired by many of the partners that they have over in Europe. That knowledge of what makes a great long-term festival exists there, and we’re going to be adding to it.
What does this deal say about the maturation of the U.S. festival business?
Farman: I think that it’s more indication that this industry is here to stay for the long term, that the value that we create for fans, the experience, the relationships we have with artists, the ability for us to really create something important culturally, is further cemented by the support that us and others are getting from the industry at large. It’s amazing for us to look back, with our contemporaries who started this a decade-and-a-half or more ago in America, to be really proud of where we’ve taken it, and to be in a position where there’s nothing in our way from taking it beyond what we created, evolving it, and keeping it going for a really, really long time. This stuff isn’t going anywhere, it’s here for the long haul.
As I read this article , which by the way thanks Itrain for posting it, is that this partnership may have to do with the Festival Bubble. With Bonnaroo partnering with LN who is to say that they wont combine to keep artist away from Shaky Knees or Wakarusa or Firefly even? This is a good business model in that sense. With AC/Superfly continuing on as Day to Day operators and the financial backing of LN along with possibly exclusivity clauses it seems like a solid move. Now I know the replacing of food vendors and price hikes and all that shit is scary but it is truly unknown at this time. Bonnaroo had a price increase this year as did Firefly which I also attend. I don't foresee prices topping out over $400-$500 anytime soon. Fees are fees and you pay them anytime and anywhere you see concerts, it just goes with the territory. Yes prices went up this year however Here is a price breakdown for you
DeadMau5- Only at Festivals festival cheapest is $105 Kendrick- Only playing festivals cheapest is $81 Mumford $62 Billy Joel $123 Total-$371 Bonnaroo Tickets including Fees $357.25 meaning I get to see MMJ, Alabama Shakes, Hozier, Childish Gambino, Robert Plant, Atomic Bomb, EWF, Tears for Fears, Jungle, etc for FREE.
1/30: Cold War Kids
2/6: Cherub
4/22: The Mountain Goats
5/25: Laura Jane Grace "Killing Me Loudly"
5/31: The Decemberists
6/11-6/14: BONNAROO 2015
6/28: Against Me!
6/30: Against Me!
I'd seriously consider paying $80 if it got me from BFE to camping within 5 minutes of the arch.
Taxi's are $5, if you took one to centeroo and back everyday you're only looking at $48 including tipping the driver each ride.
I always end up spending way more in centeroo when I am further away. When I'm closer, I just go back to camp during the down time. Being in BFE means a bigger commitment of time going back to camp.
1/30: Cold War Kids
2/6: Cherub
4/22: The Mountain Goats
5/25: Laura Jane Grace "Killing Me Loudly"
5/31: The Decemberists
6/11-6/14: BONNAROO 2015
6/28: Against Me!
6/30: Against Me!
I think anyone who went to Coachella can attest to the beauty of the permanent bathrooms. It sucks having nature call at night and you're stuck in the porta pottie hell of oblivion.
I have a clean bathroom at home. And I'm never stuck in one because I condition myself for festivals.
There must be some festival training manual I dont know about.
1/30: Cold War Kids
2/6: Cherub
4/22: The Mountain Goats
5/25: Laura Jane Grace "Killing Me Loudly"
5/31: The Decemberists
6/11-6/14: BONNAROO 2015
6/28: Against Me!
6/30: Against Me!
There must be some festival training manual I dont know about.
Step 1: never eat vendor food. Ever.
The problem isn't the vendors (unless they're selling dodgy meat & produce), the problem is the type of food itself. I have made it through many 4-day festivals just by severely limiting wheat and dairy. Humans only started to process those in the past several thousand years, so of course that Spicy Pie is gonna go right through ya.
well dog for just a paltry additional $75 (plus applicable fees & purchase of the Deluxe upgrade and applicable fees) you can rock & ROLLLLLL like a savvy festival veteran! YeEAAHhh BITCH!!! With our Premium Deluxe spots in PODs 2 & 4 (doesn't include camping below East 3rd St or east of 8th ave). Shit you'll be so fucking close that you'll think you can smell Billy Joel's breath like he is creeping in your tent late at night!!! YOLO!!!! etc etc...
