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So I guess Tom Lefsetz (Industry guy) wrote a letter about his experience at Bonnaroo this year. Pretty interesting and reaffirms that Bonnaroo is never going back to it's roots. But is that a bad thing? I hope they can tweak a good mix of something for the kids and something for music fans. Lets see if they get that right next year.
From: Tom Forrest Subject: Bonnaroo Winners and Losers
Bob,
Long time reader in Nashville. Just got back from Bonnaroo. Started going in 2007. Even though I am in the Industry, I go with all non-industry guys who love music. Most of the our crew have been going 10+ years and roll 10+ hrs a day. 2017 was by far the most transformative year for Bonnaroo that I have seen and mostly for the better.
Winners The Fans: There was a noticeably big increase in attendance this year. The fans wanted a more relevant line up, got one and came. Chance, The Weeknd and all the EDM shows were by far the main draw. As with every year, the kids were kind, energetic and having fun. Chance the Rapper: Kept telling my crew that Chance was the main draw not U2 or RHCP. They looked at me like I was crazy but 95% of the ‘Rooers were all in on Chance. We squeezed way in on house right but soon bailed. It was a mosh pit 300 yards out. The Tennessean called Chance: the King of Bonnaroo this morning The Other Stage: There were several modest changes in the Bonnaroo layout that were good. Centeroo was divided up some to make it less cumbersome to navigate, Hamegeddon moved as to not clog up tragic in front of Which Stage, THIS Tent moved to a better graded spot for better sight lines BUT by far the biggest addition was the changing The OTHER Tent to THE OTHER STAGE. The Other Stage is almost as big as the WHAT Stage (main) and 100% dedicated to EMD acts. The change went from a 5k tent to a 25-30k outdoor EDM stage. The kids loved it and was always packed. Live Nation was the big winner. They took a festival that was running out of acts for an aging Hippie/Dead/Phish jam generation and gave it new life. Gone were the middling aging Americana acts or aging rockers on their 4th comeback tour that can’t sing anymore. Almost all the artists performing seemed currently relevant that a younger audience would know about. The best Bonnaroo weather ever will also certainly help Live Nation secure new fans for years to come. You could not help but have a good time. Here are the acts I thought killed it: Mondo Cosmo, Car Seat Headrest, Lucas Nelson, Joseph, Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Cage the Elephant. Best find: Boyfriend who performed in Christmas Barn.
Losers U2: Don’t believe the hype of Rolling Stone and other bloggers. U2 was not a bust at Bonnaroo but it was by far not an epic moment as described. U2 were not the reason the majority of fans were there for. Both Chance and RHCP had double the audience. From my perspective, Bono seemed frustrated with the crowd for not knowing his songs. Bono pontificated after most songs and was struggling to know how far he could push it with the audience. He seemed to be holding back wanting to go off on Trump. At the end of the show Bono told everyone to go to bed and yelled “Fuck” into the mic. I am a U2 fan but Bono was off. The other half of the crowd that was not at U2 was taking a break before the next show at the OTHER Stage. The other thing Bono forgot is that its always someone first time seeing your show or hearing your music. Bono did very little to embrace that portion of the audience which was by far the most U2 has experienced in quite awhile.
This Tent/ That Tent: It was great to be able to see so many great acts up close in THIS Tent and THAT tent. In past years, you could not get close on the good acts but when the OTHER stage has 25k kids at it all day long, something has to give. Win for me. The old Bonnaroo Hippie Spirit: The old time Bonnaroo hippies were noticeably absent. Its like they vanished. Very few tie die shirts. It was most noticeable on High Five Friday when the vast majority of the audience did not know what the custom was of high fives on Friday. The old hippie guard was not there to keep it rolling. Let's hope that kind hippie spirit lives on regardless. Ominous signs of Coachella: EDM is one thing. Its evident that kids love it and I like it. But I started to see signs of kids want to glam up Bonnaroo and make it a fashion statement. I do not think the trend will stick however, its too hard to camp in the dust, rain and mud for 4 days and be fashionable. Wait till next year when the heat and rain are back.
My thoughts might not make all that much sense but wanted to write them down and share.
Post by Dale Cooper on Jun 12, 2017 9:49:38 GMT -5
I like hearing the thoughts of a long time attender, and the other stage pulling crowds away from the tents sounds great. But this quote bugged me:
"Live Nation was the big winner. They took a festival that was running out of acts for an aging Hippie/Dead/Phish jam generation and gave it new life. Gone were the middling aging Americana acts or aging rockers on their 4th comeback tour that can’t sing anymore. Almost all the artists performing seemed currently relevant that a younger audience would know about."
I mean, first of all - U2 totally counts as aging rockers. And secondly, From 2010 to 2015 I'd say Bonnaroo did a great job of balancing young and old. Kris Kristofferson and Deadmau5, Buffalo Springfield and Eminem, etc. This festival wasn't running out of acts in 2015 when they had great dance music from FlyLo, Caribou and Jamie xx but also Deadmau5 and Odesza for the kids. Why are they suddenly now? Could it be that the new owners changed the goal of booking and compiling a Bonnaroo line-up? hmmmmm
I agree 1000% Dale. Bonnaoo has always done a great job of balancing old timers and new comers. Seasoned touring bands and up-and-coming acts. Unique gets and EDM. What's changed?
I agree 1000% Dale. Bonnaoo has always done a great job of balancing old timers and new comers. Seasoned touring bands and up-and-coming acts. Unique gets and EDM. What's changed?
It's obvious what changed. It's a lot more slanted towards new and upcoming. Which is not necessary baf, except most of that new music sucks. Especially the edm, it's terrible.
Post by Vinnie the Eel on Jun 12, 2017 10:15:49 GMT -5
I'd be interested to see the VIP numbers over the past years...how many young kids can afford those tickets? Fests need old timers like me dropping that extra money for comfort, right?
Waited for the lorde pit and had an amazing time. Easily my second favorite set behind PtM. I'll get to a full "review" after I get some sleep. Had a great time though.
So I guess Tom Lefsetz (Industry guy) wrote a letter about his experience at Bonnaroo this year. Pretty interesting and reaffirms that Bonnaroo is never going back to it's roots. But is that a bad thing? I hope they can tweak a good mix of something for the kids and something for music fans. Lets see if they get that right next year.
From: Tom Forrest Subject: Bonnaroo Winners and Losers
Bob,
Long time reader in Nashville. Just got back from Bonnaroo. Started going in 2007. Even though I am in the Industry, I go with all non-industry guys who love music. Most of the our crew have been going 10+ years and roll 10+ hrs a day. 2017 was by far the most transformative year for Bonnaroo that I have seen and mostly for the better.
Winners The Fans: There was a noticeably big increase in attendance this year. The fans wanted a more relevant line up, got one and came. Chance, The Weeknd and all the EDM shows were by far the main draw. As with every year, the kids were kind, energetic and having fun. Chance the Rapper: Kept telling my crew that Chance was the main draw not U2 or RHCP. They looked at me like I was crazy but 95% of the ‘Rooers were all in on Chance. We squeezed way in on house right but soon bailed. It was a mosh pit 300 yards out. The Tennessean called Chance: the King of Bonnaroo this morning The Other Stage: There were several modest changes in the Bonnaroo layout that were good. Centeroo was divided up some to make it less cumbersome to navigate, Hamegeddon moved as to not clog up tragic in front of Which Stage, THIS Tent moved to a better graded spot for better sight lines BUT by far the biggest addition was the changing The OTHER Tent to THE OTHER STAGE. The Other Stage is almost as big as the WHAT Stage (main) and 100% dedicated to EMD acts. The change went from a 5k tent to a 25-30k outdoor EDM stage. The kids loved it and was always packed. Live Nation was the big winner. They took a festival that was running out of acts for an aging Hippie/Dead/Phish jam generation and gave it new life. Gone were the middling aging Americana acts or aging rockers on their 4th comeback tour that can’t sing anymore. Almost all the artists performing seemed currently relevant that a younger audience would know about. The best Bonnaroo weather ever will also certainly help Live Nation secure new fans for years to come. You could not help but have a good time. Here are the acts I thought killed it: Mondo Cosmo, Car Seat Headrest, Lucas Nelson, Joseph, Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Cage the Elephant. Best find: Boyfriend who performed in Christmas Barn.
Losers U2: Don’t believe the hype of Rolling Stone and other bloggers. U2 was not a bust at Bonnaroo but it was by far not an epic moment as described. U2 were not the reason the majority of fans were there for. Both Chance and RHCP had double the audience. From my perspective, Bono seemed frustrated with the crowd for not knowing his songs. Bono pontificated after most songs and was struggling to know how far he could push it with the audience. He seemed to be holding back wanting to go off on Trump. At the end of the show Bono told everyone to go to bed and yelled “Fuck” into the mic. I am a U2 fan but Bono was off. The other half of the crowd that was not at U2 was taking a break before the next show at the OTHER Stage. The other thing Bono forgot is that its always someone first time seeing your show or hearing your music. Bono did very little to embrace that portion of the audience which was by far the most U2 has experienced in quite awhile.
This Tent/ That Tent: It was great to be able to see so many great acts up close in THIS Tent and THAT tent. In past years, you could not get close on the good acts but when the OTHER stage has 25k kids at it all day long, something has to give. Win for me. The old Bonnaroo Hippie Spirit: The old time Bonnaroo hippies were noticeably absent. Its like they vanished. Very few tie die shirts. It was most noticeable on High Five Friday when the vast majority of the audience did not know what the custom was of high fives on Friday. The old hippie guard was not there to keep it rolling. Let's hope that kind hippie spirit lives on regardless. Ominous signs of Coachella: EDM is one thing. Its evident that kids love it and I like it. But I started to see signs of kids want to glam up Bonnaroo and make it a fashion statement. I do not think the trend will stick however, its too hard to camp in the dust, rain and mud for 4 days and be fashionable. Wait till next year when the heat and rain are back.
My thoughts might not make all that much sense but wanted to write them down and share.
Tom Forrest Bonnaroo Fan Nashville, TN
I don't even think the person who wrote this was at Bonnaroo this year.
This was only my second, but the biggest difference my girl and I noticed was the vast increase in the sorority girl and frat bro types. Which I guess was inevitable
This year was definitely younger. I also thought the "vibes" were better this year. Even the frat bros I met were all nice. Maybe it's because I'm apart of the young demo but I don't see this as a problem.
Only two bad things this year. U2 was incredibly boring and underattended, had to be one of the smallest crowds for headliner I've ever seen. Second, what happened to a future Islands??? They were absolutely horrible. Never in their studio recordings do they scream, it's like he was trying to do inhales and exhales like a scream-o band. Other than that everyone one else was good, I left after a couple songs into chance, does anyone know his setlist? I didn't like coloring book so all his songs I saw were too gospel and unhype. Wish he would just play all of Acid Rap or at least a lot of it, I asked a couple people and they said he only did a couple songs off of that and nothing off of 10 days. Is that true? If so I'm glad I went to the pit for Cage.
Top 5 Glass animals the front Bottoms RHCP Cage Portugal
Second, what happened to a future Islands??? They were absolutely horrible. Never in their studio recordings do they scream, it's like he was trying to do inhales and exhales like a scream-o band.
I'm not super familiar with Future Islands, I've only recently become aware of them, but I do like what I've heard studio wise. Driving this past weekend I tuned in a for a few minutes to the stream on satellite radio, he did seem to be doing a lot of weird grunting and growling, it was bizarre. But I only listened to a couple of songs.
Second, what happened to a future Islands??? They were absolutely horrible. Never in their studio recordings do they scream, it's like he was trying to do inhales and exhales like a scream-o band.
I'm not super familiar with Future Islands, I've only recently become aware of them, but I do like what I've heard studio wise. Driving this past weekend I tuned in a for a few minutes to the stream on satellite radio, he did seem to be doing a lot of weird grunting and growling, it was bizarre. But I only listened to a couple of songs.
I hope all his live performances aren't like that. I didn't like what I heard on Sirius.
Post by smithjake22 on Jun 13, 2017 12:38:45 GMT -5
I know I'll be in the vast minority here when I say that I actually went to my first Roo last year and was hooked. While it had a smaller audience, we didn't attend based on the acts. We liked a few artists from '16 and didn't really take the time to find new artists either.
This year was vastly different. We knew we were going to get tickets based on our '16 experience. I took the time to find new (to me) artists and I was blown away with the quality of the acts this year. Royal Blood, Kaleo, Rezz, Big Gigantic, PtM, The xx, and Flume were all new to me artists that I really enjoyed live. I fit the millennial mainstream EDM group and I still enjoyed Roo to it's fullest.
I would recommend people go to Roo solely for the experience of the festival, new music, and just getting away from work for a few days. I'm glad I found it last year. I'm sure I'll be there again next year.
I'm not super familiar with Future Islands, I've only recently become aware of them, but I do like what I've heard studio wise. Driving this past weekend I tuned in a for a few minutes to the stream on satellite radio, he did seem to be doing a lot of weird grunting and growling, it was bizarre. But I only listened to a couple of songs.
I hope all his live performances aren't like that. I didn't like what I heard on Sirius.
He does this every show. It's part of why they're known for being such a great live band. No other frontman put more into his show this weekend.
This is the first message board I've ever been on, the only reason I joined is because I love Bonnaroo and wanted to read and talk about it all year long.
I know I'll be in the vast minority here when I say that I actually went to my first Roo last year and was hooked. While it had a smaller audience, we didn't attend based on the acts. We liked a few artists from '16 and didn't really take the time to find new artists either.
This year was vastly different. We knew we were going to get tickets based on our '16 experience. I took the time to find new (to me) artists and I was blown away with the quality of the acts this year. Royal Blood, Kaleo, Rezz, Big Gigantic, PtM, The xx, and Flume were all new to me artists that I really enjoyed live. I fit the millennial mainstream EDM group and I still enjoyed Roo to it's fullest.
I would recommend people go to Roo solely for the experience of the festival, new music, and just getting away from work for a few days. I'm glad I found it last year. I'm sure I'll be there again next year.
i went in a group of 14 this year and i couldn't agree more with you. they're friends from my home city and friends i've met through roo over the last 6 years now (attending 5 and missing last year). but i just love getting together and seeing them and enjoying the music and just a great fucking weekend. i'll be back next year
Before going I was convinced this would probably be my last year. But I ended up having some of the most fun I've ever had at Bonnaroo. So now I'm not so sure. I definitely had a better time than last year all around. I pretty much stuck to only seeing artists I absolutely wanted to see and it worked out really well. I got a great spot and had plenty of energy for every show I attended. I saw less music than ever but it never really bothered me because I felt there was always something fun to do. For as young and "fratty" as the crowd was I had zero negative experiences with the crowd this weekend. I stayed in volunteer camping which is always a great community and I don't really go to the same shows as some of the more obnoxious college kids so I really had no reason to run into anyone shitty. So overall I had a fantastic Bonnaroo. If I were to rank my years based on personal experience alone it'd be 2013, 2015, 2017, 2014, 2016. If the lineup is decent enough next year I'll volunteer again. Hopefully my Star Wars theory holds true and this year was Attack of the Clones so next year will be Revenge of the Sith.
Post by The Golden Eel on Jun 13, 2017 13:57:49 GMT -5
I ended up having a great time too, and I will agree that the crowds were great/friendly despite a lot of them being first timers and bro-ish. It also still had that feeling of the crowd really caring about the shows. Bonnaroo crowds give so much love to performers and that didn't change
Saw a ton of great music. Highlights were U2, Angelique Kidjo, Umphrey's, The Weeknd, Lorde, Future Islands, and Front Bottoms. We got there pretty early each day and caught a lot of acts.
I also caught a lot more on the Other than I thought I would--between the ridiculous setup and the people watching it was very entertaining. The stuff I really liked there was Skepta, DRAM, Claude VonStroke, and Rezz. Also caught some of Goldfish and Ganja White Night, who were enjoyable. Other stuff was pretty damn bad when we walked by. After the Chili Peppers my buddy and I sat and watched Snails for a bit before Umphrey's started and it was the single worst/best thing I've ever seen at Bonnaroo. Dude's tagline is "fuck salt" (because he's a snail.. get it?) and his show consisted of a lot of gross visuals of snails and stupidly abrasive dubstep drops. He describes his music as #vomitstep and the were extended periods of time where the screens just showed a giant cartoon snail constantly puking. It was hilariously entertaining in a "so bad it's good" way but it was kind of depressing that this was even an option at late night bonnaroo instead of literally anything else.
And to that end I kind of feel like some of the "magic" was missing--there were way more people this year that were just there to get fucked up and party, and a lot of that was reflected in the great sets I saw feeling underattended. I really hope they don't look at the massive crowds for the Other and the late night EDM and move the festival even further in that direction, because I had a great time, and would love to want to go back.
The only real damper on the weekend was our tent got cut open Saturday night and somebody stole my buddy's phone. You hear about that stuff every year but never believe it'll happen to you. So that sucked
People being surprised at Sam Herring's growling live is shocking to me... He's literally been doing it since the band's inception. It's part of the show. The studio albums are much better for just casual listening but when you're there watching that man in person, the passion he performs with is palpable. Here's a video I took from the pit...
Post by abefroman1 on Jun 13, 2017 14:53:13 GMT -5
"I'm an older guy that works in the industry and let me tell ya Bonnaroo is back baby! Live Nation are big winners" - totally not a Live Nation employee
People being surprised at Sam Herring's growling live is shocking to me... He's literally been doing it since the band's inception. It's part of the show. The studio albums are much better for just casual listening but when you're there watching that man in person, the passion he performs with is palpable. Here's a video I took from the pit...
Yes, I first started listening to Future Islands through live clips and was sad to not hear his grunting and growling on the studio versions. I still prefer the Letterman performance of Seasons Waiting on You over the studio version.
Edit: Also, Inch of Dust is their best live song, IMO.
Only two bad things this year. U2 was incredibly boring and underattended, had to be one of the smallest crowds for headliner I've ever seen. Second, what happened to a future Islands??? They were absolutely horrible. Never in their studio recordings do they scream, it's like he was trying to do inhales and exhales like a scream-o band. Other than that everyone one else was good, I left after a couple songs into chance, does anyone know his setlist? I didn't like coloring book so all his songs I saw were too gospel and unhype. Wish he would just play all of Acid Rap or at least a lot of it, I asked a couple people and they said he only did a couple songs off of that and nothing off of 10 days. Is that true? If so I'm glad I went to the pit for Cage.
Top 5 Glass animals the front Bottoms RHCP Cage Portugal
Future islands always does that live. And there are growly parts on some of his albums,it's just not as pronounced. And yeah, it's Incredibly annoying
I really enjoyed this year and will most likely be back next year. It's really nice when the line up is catered to your age group.
The lineup has always had stuff that catered to young people. Just not the incredibly mainstream young people
They could have booked a lineup of younger, newer bands without making most of those new acts EDM and pop. There is a lot of great rock and roll, uh, music out there. White Reaper, Front Bottoms, and Car Seat Headrest are some good examples from the lineup, but it definitely could have used more
Only two bad things this year. U2 was incredibly boring and underattended, had to be one of the smallest crowds for headliner I've ever seen. Second, what happened to a future Islands??? They were absolutely horrible. Never in their studio recordings do they scream, it's like he was trying to do inhales and exhales like a scream-o band. Other than that everyone one else was good, I left after a couple songs into chance, does anyone know his setlist? I didn't like coloring book so all his songs I saw were too gospel and unhype. Wish he would just play all of Acid Rap or at least a lot of it, I asked a couple people and they said he only did a couple songs off of that and nothing off of 10 days. Is that true? If so I'm glad I went to the pit for Cage.
Top 5 Glass animals the front Bottoms RHCP Cage Portugal
