Bonnaroo or Bust! is a blog dedicated entirely to the 2009 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, written from the point of view of a first-time festival goer. This preview will attempt to look at every possible aspect of Bonnaroo, from the bands that are set to play to artists set to show off their work.
As a city boy who grew up just across the Hudson River from New York City in northern New Jersey, a trip to rural Manchester, Tennessee would undoubtedly place me out of my element. However, after the line-up was released and some persuasion from friends, I bought my ticket without much trepidation.
One of the things that attracted me to Bonnaroo was that it felt like a modern-day Woodstock. As an avid music lover raised by “Deadheads,” I remember being a kid wishing that grew up in my parents’ era. The music was classic, the country was in political transition and people were the epitome of carefree.
There can be some major parallels drawn between Woodstock in 1969 and Bonnaroo, 40 years later. Both occurred during times of protested wars, both attracted music and art lovers from across the country and both featured some of the most recognizable names in the recording industry at the time. Still, Bonnaroo is not Woodstock, nor does it claim to be.
The major difference between the two festivals is that unlike Woodstock, Bonnaroo has been held annually since 2002. What started off as an indie, new-age hippie festival has since attracted the likes of such music mega-stars as Kanye West, The Police and Radiohead.
This year’s Bonnaroo lineup is chock-full of big-name artists as well; Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band headline, along with Phish (who will be playing two shows over the four days), The Beastie Boys and Nine Inch Nails. In addition, soul legend Al Green will take the stage, as well as notorious rapper Snoop Dogg, and the art-punk trio, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Bonnaroo promises to be the event of a lifetime, and Bonnaroo or Bust! will attempt to take patrons every step of the way. This blog will spotlight musicians, bands, artists and comedians, as well as give tips for how to survive on a farm in the middle of Tennessee. It will also feature interviews with past and future Bonnaroo attendees, shed light on breaking news and suggest some noticeable absences from the 2009 lineup.
Bonnaroo or Bust! will be updated at least twice a week – more if necessary. Until then, I look forward to exploring the world of Bonnaroo and am always open to suggestions about possible artist spotlights.
