When the dust settled after the immensely hyped Bonnaroo lineup release, it became apparent that most festival goers were unhappy. Bonnaroo, which some have called The Festival of the Decade, is now being slammed by critics and readers alike on message boards and music blogs for its somewhat unimpressive initial lineup. Maybe they should have gracefully bowed out like Rothbury.
Granted it has become more difficult for Superfly & AC Entertainment to shock fans each year with previous high profile headliners like Neil Young & Crazy Horse, The Dead, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Radiohead, The Boss, Tool, and Phish; but, I still agree, Bonnaroo definitely dropped the ball this year.
The general consensus seems to be that Bonnaroo is beginning to stray too far into the mainstream with their headliners undercards and too far away from their heavy jam roots. Whether the festival goers are worried about the crowd and atmosphere these acts will bring or simply do not care for the bands and genres remains to be seen. Personally I like the choice of Dave Matthews Band, Kings of Leon, and Jay-Z as headliners. I witnessed a great show by DMB at Rothbury 2008, have long been a fan of Kings of Leon’s early work, and who wouldn’t want to see HOVA live? (Save it, that’s a rhetorical question.)
Though, as a dedicated music fan I must admit there are some major flaws in this lineup, but don’t worry Superfly & AC Entertainment, just listen up to Steele.
Steele’s Quick Fix For Bonnaroo 2010
First of all, Stevie Wonder as a headliner? I just don’t see it (pun intended). I’m not saying kick him off the bill, but headliner?! Filling this headlining slot with a strong jam band or notable artist would immensely improve the lineups appeal. Someone like Further, Widespread Panic (yes again, but why not), SCI, the heavily rumored Neil Young or Roger Waters, or even Gov’t Mule would help draw the hardcore jam fans. Hell any form of Warren Haynes would do.- Additions, additions, additions. While it is generally known they are in fact coming, they better be some damn good additions. My Morning Jacket is sure to please any music fan with one of their infamous Bonnaroo sets. Not to mention acts like Ozomatli, 311, John Butler Trio, and up and comers The Constellations are sure to put on a great show and appeal to many fans. Stear clear of adding anymore metal or anything considered to be too “mainstream” by the hipsters.
- Where the hell are the jam bands?! For the love of [insert deity here], Phish played two nights last year. Did you guys forget the festival pretty much exists because of people like Phisheads, Deadheads, Cheeseheads, and any other traveling group of people with a cute moniker? You dumbasses need to keep in mind that these are the types of fans that are willing to travel long distances to see their favorite act, while most average mainstream music fans are not. And I understand if the idea was to diversify the lineup, but in that process you seemed to replace nearly all the jam band with indie or metal. The additions better include some jam scene staples like Umphrey’s McGee, moe., STS9, Pretty Lights, and the aforementioned Further, Widespread Panic, and Gov’t Mule, otherwise you will have alienated what should be your target demographic.
- Make sure you don’t fuck up the scheduling like you most likely will. If you are going to have hardly any jam bands, make sure The Disco Biscuits, Lotus, and Chromeo don’t overlap. The same with blues, if you schedule The Black Keys opposite Jeff Beck or Monte Montgomery you are a complete moron.
Announce general set times for some of the fan favorites. If you clear up when The Flaming Lips are playing or announce some late night sets for Les Claypool, The Dead Weather, and LCD Soundsystem it will surely entice fans. Same with the Super Jam. Drop a name or two. Will the Colonel be slapping the bass? Beck with his smooth blues? Maybe some form of Blakroc (The Black Keys with Nas or Jay-Z)?- Whatever you do, do it fast! Fans will be quick to change their summer plans. Many will buy tickets to multiple smaller fests with cheaper tickets and stronger lineups such as Summer Camp, Mountain Jam, and Wakarusa.
Be sure to check back with Hot Like Sauce for any lineup additions, and voice your opinion in the comments below.
