It's that time of year again, when Bonnaroo, one of the biggest music festivals in the US, releases their initial lineup for yet another year of fantastic music and arts. Of course, a majority of the people attend for the purpose of seeing their favorite bands and discovering others. Last year, Bonnaroo boldly featured colossal headliners like Red Hot Chili Peppers and world-renowned Radiohead, flanked by a plethora of famous indie bands and artists to boot. Bonnaroo is known for attracting all sorts of bands and artists, especially those of legendary status and has-beens. This formula has been in play for Bonnaroo for quite some time, and hasn't changed for this year. However, we are indeed seeing a shift in types of bands compared to past Bonnaroo lineups.
A huge highlight of Bonnaroo 2013 includes a fourth of The Beatles. More specifically, Sir Paul McCartney. For any Bonnaroo veteran or repeater, there is always at least one artist with legend status in the mix. Usually, the festival would have a handful of old bands that everybody would enjoy, such as 80s or 90s relics. Those of you planning on attending this year, expect a more modern and newer bands littering your personal lineup. From Pretty Lights to Beach House to Macklemore to Tame Impala, it seems like Bonnaroo is trying to attract the younger generation while they sneak in bands like ZZ Top.
Jam bands and bluegrass go hand in hand with the air around festival grounds. However, it has become increasingly notable that the Bonnaroo crew are trying to diversify their acts to attract more people with different backgrounds. They even threw in Weird Al Yankovic for good measure. Whatever the case may be, Bonnaroo always offers fantastic festival experiences and opportunities to see your favorite bands or to discover new ones.
Bonnaroo: June 13-16
Tickets on sale: February 23
Location: Manchester, Tennessee
Comments
I have gone to 8 Bonnaroo's. About five years ago MTV bought the Bonnaroo farm from Superfly. It has gone down hill from that point on. It was all general admission. Today we have a V.I.P. section that gets bigger each year, MTV is out to make as much money as possible. THe five dollar beer is now a ten dollar beer. They have put huge buildings in front of the stage (beer stands and huge light stands and sound stands). They have a beer tent next to the" Which" tent (this is the 2nd largest stage). The sound is worse at this stage than anyother. Do not plan on seeing anything on this stage because a beer tent is now in the back of the "Which" tent area and they have a band that plays for about 50 drunks and the sound is as loud as the "Which" tent, the second largest stage. They do not like to turn the sound up on the "Which" stage, until people complain. The people camping are great and you will have a good time. They sell so many tickets that you can not get close enough to the stage to hear it that well (you could in the early days). You can do any drug in the open or on the camp sight. They sort of check for illegal drugs when you go in. MTV means more rap. They tried heavy metal but it did not go over well. All of this cuts in on the Folk, rock, jam bands and alternate rock. You get a lot of MTV crap. I had a good time and Paul was worth the price of admission. Wilco, Byrne, Sheepdog, same trailer different park, were great but a lot of the stuff you could not hear. I don;t understand why they have a comedy tent but they do, it's MTV crap.