My wife and I had a great time at Bonnaroo. I have to tell you it was nothing like what I expected. There must have been over a hundred bands playing non stop for four days. I say Charlie Tuna, from Jurassic 5, at 2am to 4am and he tore up the stage. He rocked hip hop like no other. Totally enjoyed it.
We stayed in VIP so the showers, restrooms and food service was awesome. Parking was a breeze. I drove straight to our camp site with NO wait. If you go to Bonnaroo you must get VIP. Its the only way to go.
The highlight of the festival for me was Pearl Jam. I am a die hard fan. We got into the pit through a special entrance on the side. They let in a few hundred people from what I can tell. Only those people go to go to the front of the stage. We got to be on the fence just off center on stage right. Ed walked over there several time. We were so close that if Mike had been on that side I could have got a pick. Since he is always stage left that did not happen. Ed talked a little bit about the war and the fact that we have the right to change what we do not like. He sung a song about a friend of his that was wounded in the war and lapsed into a coma recently. It was the pretty emotional and was a wake up call for me. As a veteran I am always reminded about the struggles soldiers, sailors, and their families deal with on a daily basis.
Ed announced that Matt was going to be playing at the Something Else Tent on Sunday. We went over there and listened to his trio sound off with a 45 minute jazz set. We were hoping for a surprise guest but none came. At the end of the set I tried to ask the guy taking down the drums to get me the set list. Instead he gave me an autographed drum stick from Matt Cameron. Pretty freakin' awesome. That makes two members I have met, with three to go. Four if you count Boomer.
By the way, if you ever get to try Silent Disco, DO IT!!!! It was a kick but experience. There is a tent were people are dancing and there is absolutely no music playing. It looks like a bunch of people grooving to an imaginary song. The reality is you get wireless head phones that are playing what the DJ is spinning. It rocks.
We saw Charlie Tuna because Kayne West was suppose to play at 2:15 am at the What Tent. He did not start playing until like 4am. We went over there and checked it out. It wasn't until I saw his act that I realized I hate the music and the performance. If you like one man theatrical acts with music playing from a recording you may like it. I prefer the band thing. Come on, his act was that he was "stranded" by a computer in a far off world and he is trying to get home? I am guessing he never found his way. I give him props for trying, it just fell on my deaf ears.
I am going to put together a little video of the pictures and video that I recorded. Its not much but you may like it.
If you need food, deals, and people trying to sell there ware you have to go to Shakedown Alley. We bought some clothes and food down there. The prices were reasonable and people were friendly.
To everyone we met, thanks for making it a great trip. We wish you the best.
To that asshole who thought slapping a girl on the ass while driving by in a cart. It was everything in my power not to launch my water bottle at you. I hope you never come back and find some one to teach you some manners. He was the only ass I saw the hole time. It is amazing what a grown man will do when he has no manners or respect for others.
Lastly, we made our way to the Guest Camp. Don't ask me how. We got to hang out with new friends, got some free shirts, played Guitar Hero, free beer, and a private DJ. This is my next destination.
Peace and Love