2017 Lineup Discussion Thread - it's here

Message board nonsense.

That's a confirmed booking practice.

Glad to see I'm not the only one here considering going again next year. Definitely not buying a presale ticket this year but i really only need a slight bump in lineup quality to get me back (or just arcade fire).

Yeah I had a great time, DRAM was the only disappointing set I saw. I think had I waited for the lineup drop this year I probably would've skipped and seen U2 here. I will probably wait for the lineup this time around, but if it was my last Roo it was a great one. 

Last year, I said I was gonna wait for the lineup. Pre-sale time rolled around and I couldn't resist, especially with the tickets $75 cheaper.

Same attitude this year. I'd bet I also break my intention again. This year proved extremely worth the impulse, even with the underwhelming lineup.

I was impressed by how the bros and bro hoes were at this. They still talked a lot during some sets (Glass Animals, Chance) but weren't rude or assholes and it was pretty funny to listen to their conversations. I think it's because of the experience of everyone camping and sort of living together as one for 4-5 days compared to the suburban kids that go to city fests like ACL, Lolla, or GovBall that end up going back home or to hotels. Coachella seems to still pull some of the d-bags that are just there for the likes but that could be the difference between being near LA and being the south/southeast. I'll take Roo over Coachella anyway. I'd say the crowd was 75-80% millenial and 20-25% 35+ with rare appearances from 1-16 year olds.

I agree with this post on the younger crowd. It was a similar younger age range but with much better vibes than last year.

This was Bonnaroo #10 for me, in a row actually. I had no intention of going based on the lineup drop and how weak last year was.... but then they put out a perfect schedule (for my taste) and a few buddies changed their minds with me. This was definitely my favorite Roo since 2014, possibly back to 2012. They made a LOT of adjustments this year to make up for the shit show that was last year. The perfect weather may have had some to do with that, too.

First off, I was camped in BFE for the 2nd straight year and first times since I've been going. That has to do more with my life situation and getting there on Fri. Anyway, my commute to Centeroo was easily twice as fast. The format changes in camp ground paths back there made a huge difference. It seemed to me they made appropriate adjustments expecting a smaller crowd than the pre-LN era. Also, the electronic bike taxis were more expensive but much more readily available and fun to ride in. They also took us all way out to BFE, which didn't happen last year.


The format in Centeroo was better, too. The sound bleeds were FAR improved. Unfortunately, Which Stage still wasn't loud enough farther back. I couldn't get a much better spot or sound than I used to at That Other Tent, but I did have a MUCH better view of the Other stage and screen than used to. That made a big difference. Just sucked Big G couldn't play all night like he wanted. I will say there was much more activity in the campgrounds than I've seen in the past. The jam band right outside the arch, in the vendor area ended up laying well past sun rise on Fri. I don't know if they did that last year but it will be a draw for me next year.... and I could see them moving into the LockN direction of having an actual stage in the campground eventually. The Portugal CD listening party was pretty cool, too. They had a set up for music that I didn't even go to... I don't even know if that was going LN.

In the moment, I did not notice the sets being much shorter than usual .... I was afraid of that bumming me out based on the schedule. The staggered lineup actually worked out pretty well being Bonnaroo vets and knowing the best routes/spots at shows. We still caught a solid 6-8 hours of music per day with great spots each show.

Portugal. The Man slayed their LN set. I've seen them a few times and nothing compared to that. Best LN show I've seen since Jim James Superjam.
I was VERY impressed by Chance The Rapper.... and I was basically dragged to that show by my friends. The headliners, IMO, were by far the biggest let downs. It was hilarious to me how close I was in comparison to past years headliners and how much room I had around me during U2. They had a lot of potential, but every time their songs built up they didn't go anywhere. I do hope the ppl who came for them had fun, though.

I never thought I'd say this even days prior to this Bonnaroo, but I am once again excited like a child for next year's lineup.

Second this. Saw some highly attended sets at Coachella this year (Porteon, Kendrick, Hans, Lorde) and never encountered bad crowds. Your mileage will vary, but its reputation for bad crowds is drastically exaggerated.

I attended 'Roo in 2013, 2014 and 2016; skipped out this year for various reasons. I never thought I'd miss it so much this year, but I was there in spirit. I did watch some of the performances on Red Bull TV, and many did stand out like Tove Lo and Cage. I am enjoying reading everyone's posts whether on here, reddit and social media about their 2017 experience. Sounds like everyone had a great time.

I'm a regular reader of the Lefsetz Letter (music industry guy), and I did get some perspective from that guy's post. I'm not sure if Livenation is the true winner here. I love Bono and U2, but I would have loved to see Bono's reaction to the crowd as stated. As far as Bonnaroo, I've always complained about the shrinking presence of bands/artists that were active in the 20th century, but it is what it is. Some things are meant to change, for the good or the bad. I remember in 2013, you still had Paul McCartney, ZZ Top, Billy Idol, Weird Al and R. Kelly, most of them before my generation. Last year, there was the Dead & Co., Pearl Jam, Ween, Cymande and Third Eye Blind representing the "20th century group" at Bonnaroo. This year there was only U2, the RHCP, the PHJB and Ajgelique Kidjo. (If I left anyone out, I apologize) Classic rockers have their own festival now. Don't expect Fleetwood Mac or the Eagles making an appearance on the What Stage anytime soon. Bonnaroo will always have the vibe, the spicy pie, the big ass donuts, hi-fives, etc.

Here's a survey to tell Bonnaroo what you thought of 2017!

redirect.viglink.com/?key=bbb516d91daee20498798694a42dd559&u=https%3A//www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017roocommunity

lol this guy

Ya, that would get a world class eye roll from me as well. I really hope he moves past this gospel rap phase.

Even as an atheist, I didn't give a shit. I like his music, and I can respect that if that's what keeps him going and influences his music, he works it in to his sets. If the music sounds good I'm gonna jig to it. 

I'll eye roll it when he brings it up, but not anymore so than I eye roll the political mess at shows. As a matter of fact I'd rather the jesus stuff worked in somewhere than the political stuff. At least I don't have to hear about Jesus at every other show I go to. 

Exact thoughts - by all means, as long as it's not negative, feel free to express your art in whichever way is most meaningful to you. 

Also, he did give a heads up before, and after saying it he acknowledged that he might've annoyed/offended some people - but he was still unapologetic about it which was kinda cool imo. He was sincere about what he was about.