Dear Diary,
The news has arrived, the first round of artist lineups for Bonnaroo this year are coming on the 14th of February. This brings many a good thoughts to mind. Amongst them hippies, jamming, Les Claypool and the usual melee of making it from stage to stage to see as many acts as possible (I still regret ever leaving the Blues Traveler show however).
Despite my excitement I am somewhat frightened to see the headlining act. The reason you ask? The festival has lessoned the amount of jam bands present. For example they went from having Widespread Panic headline two days of the festival only to follow the next year with Radio Head. Radio Head, say what you want is not a jam band. The Dead, jam band. Oyster Head, jam band. Dave Mathews Band, somewhat of a jam band. Driving Miss Jerrod, jam band.
To go from headlining The Dead and Trey Anastasio to Radio Head is taking away the heart of the festival. I don't get it, I don't want to get it and I want it to change. I support adding genres and acts but to change the headliner is too much. If the festival is trying to become more eclectic try to get a band such as Pearl Jam to play, they are at least a rock jam band (I am aware they refuse to play festivals, it's just an example).
Outside of this my mind is brimming with possibilities. The usual suspects will be there, Les Claypool, Moe. , Bela Fleck, any member of Phish. I've even heard rumblings of This is My Suitcase finally breaking in too, but we will just have to see on that one. Who and what will be the big surprise this year thought? My prediction (mind you only a prediction) is they are going to pull something to surprise everyone this year, really throw people off. Last year it was rap they introduced and Oysterhead reformed, this year I predict it will be dance rock that is thrown out there. While this genre doesn't mix with hippies necessarily it could bring some interesting combos on stage. In addition I am also looking for G. Love, after owning the show last year on more than a few stages to make a big appearance.
In closing whatever happens, as long as no bands that have names like or sound like Cold, Disturbed, or Dredg I will be happy. That is horrible music for horrible people who like horrible music and has no place at a festival of happiness.
Jan 24, 2007 4:34 PM
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