Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Bonnaroo / Creamtastic / Hot Goss / National Skyline Rumor: Springsteen (Greatest Living American!) & Phish (Who Gives a Phuck?) to Headline Bonnaroo
Posted by Adam Gold on Wed, Dec 17, 2008 at 3:57 PM
...reliable sources close to Phish [say] that the band will top the bill for two nights, restoring the fest to its jam-friendly roots.OK, I have a dislike for Phish that's as strong as any other magniloquent music snob's, but even I can look the other way and understand why it makes sense to have them on the festival. But for two nights? For fuck's sake! I realize that the festival organizers have Metallica to appologize for but do they really have to go to the lengths of making this an Amy's Farm type of deal? At least it's looking like the folks in charge of the 'Roo might get one thing right as it is also reported in the RS article that:
Also being buzzed about with some legitimacy: Bruce Springsteen as Sunday night's closer.OK, now I've never believed in God or the power of prayer but I think I'm about to come around on that one, because I really need all the help I can get. If the Springsteen rumor turns out to be bunk and we end up being left with a fake Led Zeppelin and a double dose of Phish then I'm gonna cut someone.
Comments (29)
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Think of it this way, if Phish gets a slot with no competition both nights, that's two nights where you can retire back to your campsite for a hour or two to make a sandwich (this may or may not be a euphemism, take it as you will) and recharge for the good stuff that will follow.
No one is more upset about the Phish reunion than the people who off'd themselves after their "final" show in VT a couple years back.
Given the increase in ticket prices, I can see both bands coming to the show this year. Guess they had to makeup for last years belly flop with Kanye 'I'm taking the stage 3 hours late' West and Metallica.
While I'm not a Phish fan I do appreciate the effort to bring down the "meat-head" population. Granted, I got a good kick out of moshing at Bonnaroo (laughing the whole time at the very notion), but one time was enough for me. I think this would be a good year to just tone it down and bring Bonnaroo to a more relaxed level. 2009 (the year) just seems like it will have a more laid back vibe and Bonnaroo should follow that lead, just to set up 2010 blow out.
Might be economy of scale. The general populace is hurting this year but the jam scene is highly populated by trustafarians and general festival-obsessed types, who will most likely shell out the dough regardless of the larger economic picture. Take the festival back to its jam roots, and you have a guarenteed draw. Remember, Phish drew 100,000 all by themselves in the not too distant past.
I still think the 2nd Bonnaroo was the best one, but last year was not terrible by any means.
I will tell you this - if it is true about Phish, the organizers will have an attendance problem on their hands. And I don't mean too few people, but rather waaaay too many. It would not surprise me if 100,000+ converge on Manchester. Good luck managing that.
burrito, i think you nailed it.
adam, phish fans are not particularly cool hanging out with indie-kids, alt-rockers, and pitchfork hipsters.
why are you so aghast at a two-night jamstand at bonnaroo? WP has carried it more than once. i'm all for it. like lance said, if you dont like it, skip em. if you're the type to get all worked up into a lather about springsteen (seems you're half way there already) and you also think phish heads are a bad thing, then maybe you should stay home that weekend.
I'm not a Phish-hater, they're harmless and great musicians, but Widespread... now THERE's a shitty band.
Bonnaroo organizers should slot Springsteen in Friday nights' headlining spot and have Phish Sat & Sunday. Phish fans are more likely to stick around to the very end of the festival than a Springsteen fan would be. Nothing against The Boss's fanbase but a high profile jamband known for their fervent fans should close it out. Roo would keep more attendees on site and make more money through concessions. Isn't that what its all about?
Burrito, I'm with you on the Phish vs. Widespread thing.
And Gold, Phish-heads may not be cool, but they're not nearly as predictable, nauseating or smug as Pitchfork hipsters.
People seem to get really worked up over the headliners. As most Bonnaroo veterans know - what makes B'roo such a great festival are the diverse performances during the day, the craziness of the late night scene and discovering new music.
Phish fans are not particularly cool period.
fwiw, that was kind of the idea with phish pre-95. it was after jerry garcia's death that it kinda went down the tubes with all the trustifarians and lot rats.
I've heard of gooogle. It's how I found out about about sarcasm.
you should check into proofreading too. it is fucking awesome!
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