Bonnaroo 2016 all but confirmed

JH57554

I sure hope Bonnaroo doesn't kill the Atlanta show.

FrankieG

PorchRadio said:

Well if you get a ticket to Bonnaroo, you can buy a groop camping pass ($40). We have designated space. We give out the code to use for our group when the passes are available (usually Feb or March...these go on sale after tickets). If interested PM me and I can add you to our Facebook group so you can have a peek. We are gonna try and go bigger this year.

PorchRadio said:

If you wanted to get a PJ group together of people from these message boards, then I can give you the info on how to go about that as well. Group camping is so much better than GA. Closer to the music. More space. Camp with cool people instead of totally being luck of the draw.

Depending on who I can convince to come with me will decide which option I would want to do. Biggest question is, can we park our cars in Groop? Or do we need to hike everything over there?

I think if I go solo, groop camping would make the weekend a lot better.

PorchRadio

Mercury said:

Can you explain the Groop camping to me some more? What are you giving up in order for them to let you camp closer to Great Stage Park?

The year I went there was an individual who qualified for the handicap area, which was super close, and def helped with catching sets and returning to home base.

Group camping is a little behind handicap. You have to pay $40 extra (group camping passes go on sale after tickets, usually a month later). You have to have a code from the group you were going to join, so you can't just randomly join one. I think you have to have 10 or so people to start a group. If you wanted to go that route, I believe there is some info on the Bonnaroo page about it.

The perks are closer camping, parking at the group site, usually some pretty good parties going on (like I said we have a Wednesday night party).

PorchRadio

FrankieG said:

PorchRadio said:

Well if you get a ticket to Bonnaroo, you can buy a groop camping pass ($40). We have designated space. We give out the code to use for our group when the passes are available (usually Feb or March...these go on sale after tickets). If interested PM me and I can add you to our Facebook group so you can have a peek. We are gonna try and go bigger this year.

PorchRadio said:

If you wanted to get a PJ group together of people from these message boards, then I can give you the info on how to go about that as well. Group camping is so much better than GA. Closer to the music. More space. Camp with cool people instead of totally being luck of the draw.

Depending on who I can convince to come with me will decide which option I would want to do. Biggest question is, can we park our cars in Groop? Or do we need to hike everything over there?

I think if I go solo, groop camping would make the weekend a lot better.

You park at the group camping spot. You get a designated area that is sized based on the size of your group. Logistics with everyone in the group is the hardest part, as everyone arrives at different times. Our first year was a cluster****. We now try and have a plan set up about tents and parking before we get there, so that there is room for everyone. We also have to squeeze in our big ass tent, so that makes it even more fun!

sgtppr67

I was out in Groop Camping last year, Ours was Bonnaroo Gathering Of Debauchery. There are some definite perks to the Groop set up. Have you ever tried Tent Only? We had a good 5 year run up there and i loved it. It takes a lot of work to lug your gear from where ever you get parked, but it's a 5 minute walk inside , and you get to hear all of the headliner and main stage acts sound check from your camp.

FrankieG

PorchRadio said:

FrankieG said:

PorchRadio said:

Well if you get a ticket to Bonnaroo, you can buy a groop camping pass ($40). We have designated space. We give out the code to use for our group when the passes are available (usually Feb or March...these go on sale after tickets). If interested PM me and I can add you to our Facebook group so you can have a peek. We are gonna try and go bigger this year.

PorchRadio said:

If you wanted to get a PJ group together of people from these message boards, then I can give you the info on how to go about that as well. Group camping is so much better than GA. Closer to the music. More space. Camp with cool people instead of totally being luck of the draw.

Depending on who I can convince to come with me will decide which option I would want to do. Biggest question is, can we park our cars in Groop? Or do we need to hike everything over there?

I think if I go solo, groop camping would make the weekend a lot better.

You park at the group camping spot. You get a designated area that is sized based on the size of your group. Logistics with everyone in the group is the hardest part, as everyone arrives at different times. Our first year was a cluster****. We now try and have a plan set up about tents and parking before we get there, so that there is room for everyone. We also have to squeeze in our big ass tent, so that makes it even more fun!

Thanks for the info. I did RV in 2013, so I really don't want to get stuck out in BFE.. I will let you know about joining the super groop, I appreciate all the info and the invitation!

tempo_n_groove

dimitrispearljam said:

will be taugh for me which one to choose..spring tour ,or summer like wrigley and fenway ,or the pj25 thing to travel...i can afford only one travel at usa and for a few days..its too expensive..
hope annoiunce all year at once..so can figure out what the best option

Thought you knew the places and dates already? Guess all the "sources" we're wrong out there...

buck502000

MedozK said:

I have a friend that runs a vip tent, if this is true, I will be working for him selling beer in the tent so I watch PJ that night.

Hey I need a job!!!

Alfonz

PorchRadio said:

Have any of you been to Bonnaroo? It is perhaps my favorite place. So many diverse music acts. Much better vibe than any other festival. And Pearl Jam can play as long as they want to (no curfew, and headliners can play as long as they want). I already have my Roo tickets, so this news just sent me over the edge with excitement!

I've been and hated it. At least for camping. Went the year Buffalo Springfield played, knowing that Neil could pull the plug on that at any time. They were fantastic, but I packed my shit up and left on Sunday morning as quick as I could. As did many people around me.

Started with a 7 hour traffic jam, only to be randomly shunted off with no choice to BFE that was 50 minutes walk from the festival entrance. Despite acres of open camping fields that were much closer.

It was beyond hot/humid, and I'm used to hot weather based on where I've lived. Several people died from heat exhaustion (probably related to partying too hard), and it was so unbearable that you couldn't enjoyably watch any bands during daylight.

And you can't sleep, the sun comes up so early and then cooks your tent. People are coming and going 24 hours, and the normal times a person would sleep were very rowdy. Though it was quite funny hearing people roaming around crying about how they were lost. If you want to sleep at an abnormal time, it's too fucking hot unless you try the cinema tent.

Had some nice people camping near me, but overall the crowd was not the friendly-hippie-jam-band-loving-crowd I expected, mostly a bro/douche/frat vibe. I imagine it has only gotten worse. The bible bashing redneck locals protesting with "Jerry Garcia is burning in hell" signs did provide some comic relief. In Austin alone there are festivals like Psychfest/Levitation and Fun Fun Fun Fest that have far better vibes.

If I was going again (which I won't), I would get an RV spot near the festival grounds, or stay in a hotel and drive in each day. Camping was the absolute pits. Old and cranky rant, over and out.

ComeToTX

Alfonz said:

PorchRadio said:

Have any of you been to Bonnaroo? It is perhaps my favorite place. So many diverse music acts. Much better vibe than any other festival. And Pearl Jam can play as long as they want to (no curfew, and headliners can play as long as they want). I already have my Roo tickets, so this news just sent me over the edge with excitement!

I've been and hated it. At least for camping. Went the year Buffalo Springfield played, knowing that Neil could pull the plug on that at any time. They were fantastic, but I packed my shit up and left on Sunday morning as quick as I could. As did many people around me.

Started with a 7 hour traffic jam, only to be randomly shunted off with no choice to BFE that was 50 minutes walk from the festival entrance. Despite acres of open camping fields that were much closer.

It was beyond hot/humid, and I'm used to hot weather based on where I've lived. Several people died from heat exhaustion (probably related to partying too hard), and it was so unbearable that you couldn't enjoyably watch any bands during daylight.

And you can't sleep, the sun comes up so early and then cooks your tent. People are coming and going 24 hours, and the normal times a person would sleep were very rowdy. Though it was quite funny hearing people roaming around crying about how they were lost. If you want to sleep at an abnormal time, it's too fucking hot unless you try the cinema tent.

Had some nice people camping near me, but overall the crowd was not the friendly-hippie-jam-band-loving-crowd I expected, mostly a bro/douche/frat vibe. I imagine it has only gotten worse. The bible bashing redneck locals protesting with "Jerry Garcia is burning in hell" signs did provide some comic relief. In Austin alone there are festivals like Psychfest/Levitation and Fun Fun Fun Fest that have far better vibes.

If I was going again (which I won't), I would get an RV spot near the festival grounds, or stay in a hotel and drive in each day. Camping was the absolute pits. Old and cranky rant, over and out.

this guy gets it.

AndySlash

nah, he doesn't.

several people died? no, 2 people died that year, both labeled as drug/heat related (i assume they passed out in their tents after drugging it up) and there have been 12 total in 14 years ranging from drugs, heat, car accidents, and natural causes. considering an average of 80,000-90,000 people go each year, that is an astonishingly low number given the number of different things that can happen. i'm still waiting for a giant storm to plow through there, that would be my biggest fear regarding safety. too many people don't take that shit seriously. anyway, as it relates to roo, just don't be fucking stupid and most likely you won't die. what a concept, i know.

sucks about the camping location - i've been out there, too, in 2007 when it was so hot and dry that every car was covered in dust and most everyone had to wear bandanas/masks. we had a 45-min walk to the centeroo gates. does it suck? sure does, but if you're 1) prepared and 2) have a good attitude you can get through it instead of letting it define your experience, which in his case it sure seems like it did. that's decidedly NOT getting it.

PorchRadio

Alfonz said:

PorchRadio said:

Have any of you been to Bonnaroo? It is perhaps my favorite place. So many diverse music acts. Much better vibe than any other festival. And Pearl Jam can play as long as they want to (no curfew, and headliners can play as long as they want). I already have my Roo tickets, so this news just sent me over the edge with excitement!

I've been and hated it. At least for camping. Went the year Buffalo Springfield played, knowing that Neil could pull the plug on that at any time. They were fantastic, but I packed my shit up and left on Sunday morning as quick as I could. As did many people around me.

Started with a 7 hour traffic jam, only to be randomly shunted off with no choice to BFE that was 50 minutes walk from the festival entrance. Despite acres of open camping fields that were much closer.

It was beyond hot/humid, and I'm used to hot weather based on where I've lived. Several people died from heat exhaustion (probably related to partying too hard), and it was so unbearable that you couldn't enjoyably watch any bands during daylight.

And you can't sleep, the sun comes up so early and then cooks your tent. People are coming and going 24 hours, and the normal times a person would sleep were very rowdy. Though it was quite funny hearing people roaming around crying about how they were lost. If you want to sleep at an abnormal time, it's too fucking hot unless you try the cinema tent.

Had some nice people camping near me, but overall the crowd was not the friendly-hippie-jam-band-loving-crowd I expected, mostly a bro/douche/frat vibe. I imagine it has only gotten worse. The bible bashing redneck locals protesting with "Jerry Garcia is burning in hell" signs did provide some comic relief. In Austin alone there are festivals like Psychfest/Levitation and Fun Fun Fun Fest that have far better vibes.

If I was going again (which I won't), I would get an RV spot near the festival grounds, or stay in a hotel and drive in each day. Camping was the absolute pits. Old and cranky rant, over and out.

I agree that the camping situation isn't for everyone. That Roo was my 2nd. The year before it was 107 degrees with heat index (not making it up, it was miserable). We were parked as far away as you could possibly get and it took us an hour to walk to the Centeroo. We left on Sunday without ever seeing a band (this was before they had aisles that you could get out of and had to figure out a way to get your car out of the camping mess), and although I loved seeing the bands, I was over it. Said I'd never come back.

Wife talked me into the next year, which was the Buffalo Springfield year. Was dusty as hell, and my allergies were off the charts. And the crowd that year was "off". It is the only year that I have been pushed around by people, and didn't get that hippie fest vibe. We didn't go back in 2012.

When McCartney came in 2013, I gave it one more chance. This is the one that hooked me. Weather was better (still hot, but not ridiculous). I also learned my limits. I can't go to the early shows in the heat, and then still be in a good mood for the headliners. I have to take it easy early. Sit at camp, chill, and wait until 3 or so to begin moving. The next year we joined Groop camping, and that is soooo much closer. And the atmosphere of group camping was more of a community. I have made so many friends from across the country because of Roo. We go to other fests together (alot of us met up for Riot Fest in Chicago). There are get togethers throughout the year, and if I need a place to crash if I want to go to a show, I know someone in just about any city now that will let me couch surf. The place the last few years has become special to me.

So, in short, with Bonnaroo, it is all about learning how to tackle the fest, and it is different for every person. And you learn your lessons the first couple of years. Also, the lineup dictates what kind of people are going to be there. 2011 had alot of bros there for Eminem. 2015 had alot of raver kids because of the overabundance of EDM. This year looks a little more like it is going to have a solid lineup, and pull back to more rock foundations. Should be a fantastic year.

And we will get a regular PJ tour!! Going to be a great year!

PorchRadio

AndySlash said:

nah, he doesn't.

several people died? no, 2 people died that year, both labeled as drug/heat related (i assume they passed out in their tents after drugging it up) and there have been 12 total in 14 years ranging from drugs, heat, car accidents, and natural causes. considering an average of 80,000-90,000 people go each year, that is an astonishingly low number given the number of different things that can happen. i'm still waiting for a giant storm to plow through there, that would be my biggest fear regarding safety. too many people don't take that shit seriously. anyway, as it relates to roo, just don't be fucking stupid and most likely you won't die. what a concept, i know.

sucks about the camping location - i've been out there, too, in 2007 when it was so hot and dry that every car was covered in dust and most everyone had to wear bandanas/masks. we had a 45-min walk to the centeroo gates. does it suck? sure does, but if you're 1) prepared and 2) have a good attitude you can get through it instead of letting it define your experience, which in his case it sure seems like it did. that's decidedly NOT getting it.

It is actually a testament to their medical staff, and the people that attend Bonnaroo. They are very good at getting medical attention where it is needed. And I have seen so many occasions where people are checking up on random people that they walk past that look "out of it" or like they may need some help.

mcgruff10

dumb question i'm sure, but why do you have to camp? can you not just roll in the day of the show and walk up to the stage area?

ComeToTX

There's very little around there so most people camp rather than drive in every day.

PorchRadio

mcgruff10 said:

dumb question i'm sure, but why do you have to camp? can you not just roll in the day of the show and walk up to the stage area?

It is about 30 min from Nashville, in a small town with very little hotel options. Sure, you can get one, but it isn't easy. Camping is right on the Bonnaroo grounds, so you camp, then walk to "Centeroo" where all the stages and stuff is. Camping is really one of the best parts of the fest if you have a fun group to camp with.

Dr.Teeth and the Electric Mayh

Alfonz said:

PorchRadio said:

Have any of you been to Bonnaroo? It is perhaps my favorite place. So many diverse music acts. Much better vibe than any other festival. And Pearl Jam can play as long as they want to (no curfew, and headliners can play as long as they want). I already have my Roo tickets, so this news just sent me over the edge with excitement!

I've been and hated it. At least for camping. Went the year Buffalo Springfield played, knowing that Neil could pull the plug on that at any time. They were fantastic, but I packed my shit up and left on Sunday morning as quick as I could. As did many people around me.

Started with a 7 hour traffic jam, only to be randomly shunted off with no choice to BFE that was 50 minutes walk from the festival entrance. Despite acres of open camping fields that were much closer.

It was beyond hot/humid, and I'm used to hot weather based on where I've lived. Several people died from heat exhaustion (probably related to partying too hard), and it was so unbearable that you couldn't enjoyably watch any bands during daylight.

And you can't sleep, the sun comes up so early and then cooks your tent. People are coming and going 24 hours, and the normal times a person would sleep were very rowdy. Though it was quite funny hearing people roaming around crying about how they were lost. If you want to sleep at an abnormal time, it's too fucking hot unless you try the cinema tent.

Had some nice people camping near me, but overall the crowd was not the friendly-hippie-jam-band-loving-crowd I expected, mostly a bro/douche/frat vibe. I imagine it has only gotten worse. The bible bashing redneck locals protesting with "Jerry Garcia is burning in hell" signs did provide some comic relief. In Austin alone there are festivals like Psychfest/Levitation and Fun Fun Fun Fest that have far better vibes.

If I was going again (which I won't), I would get an RV spot near the festival grounds, or stay in a hotel and drive in each day. Camping was the absolute pits. Old and cranky rant, over and out.

Not sure about anyone dying when I went but I will ditto the rest of this. Spot on.

PJ_Soul

Alfonz said:

PorchRadio said:

Have any of you been to Bonnaroo? It is perhaps my favorite place. So many diverse music acts. Much better vibe than any other festival. And Pearl Jam can play as long as they want to (no curfew, and headliners can play as long as they want). I already have my Roo tickets, so this news just sent me over the edge with excitement!

I've been and hated it. At least for camping. Went the year Buffalo Springfield played, knowing that Neil could pull the plug on that at any time. They were fantastic, but I packed my shit up and left on Sunday morning as quick as I could. As did many people around me.

Started with a 7 hour traffic jam, only to be randomly shunted off with no choice to BFE that was 50 minutes walk from the festival entrance. Despite acres of open camping fields that were much closer.

It was beyond hot/humid, and I'm used to hot weather based on where I've lived. Several people died from heat exhaustion (probably related to partying too hard), and it was so unbearable that you couldn't enjoyably watch any bands during daylight.

And you can't sleep, the sun comes up so early and then cooks your tent. People are coming and going 24 hours, and the normal times a person would sleep were very rowdy. Though it was quite funny hearing people roaming around crying about how they were lost. If you want to sleep at an abnormal time, it's too fucking hot unless you try the cinema tent.

Had some nice people camping near me, but overall the crowd was not the friendly-hippie-jam-band-loving-crowd I expected, mostly a bro/douche/frat vibe. I imagine it has only gotten worse. The bible bashing redneck locals protesting with "Jerry Garcia is burning in hell" signs did provide some comic relief. In Austin alone there are festivals like Psychfest/Levitation and Fun Fun Fun Fest that have far better vibes.

If I was going again (which I won't), I would get an RV spot near the festival grounds, or stay in a hotel and drive in each day. Camping was the absolute pits. Old and cranky rant, over and out.

Yeah, that sounds awful for grown ups, hahaha, but I think I would have thought that was pretty awesome when I was 22 or so. "Sleep? Who needs sleep?! Give me more drugs and booze and I'll be fine until Monday!" is what I would have said back in the mid-90s. But now... I'd just get a hotel somewhere and catch a ride to the festival each afternoon like a full fledged adult. (not that I'm going to Bonnearoo... but this goes for any music weekend. No fucking rock concert camping for me, thanks. Been there, done that. Leave it to the younguns and the hippies, hahaha.

RoleModelsinBlood31

Alfonz said:

PorchRadio said:

Have any of you been to Bonnaroo? It is perhaps my favorite place. So many diverse music acts. Much better vibe than any other festival. And Pearl Jam can play as long as they want to (no curfew, and headliners can play as long as they want). I already have my Roo tickets, so this news just sent me over the edge with excitement!

I've been and hated it. At least for camping. Went the year Buffalo Springfield played, knowing that Neil could pull the plug on that at any time. They were fantastic, but I packed my shit up and left on Sunday morning as quick as I could. As did many people around me.

Started with a 7 hour traffic jam, only to be randomly shunted off with no choice to BFE that was 50 minutes walk from the festival entrance. Despite acres of open camping fields that were much closer.

It was beyond hot/humid, and I'm used to hot weather based on where I've lived. Several people died from heat exhaustion (probably related to partying too hard), and it was so unbearable that you couldn't enjoyably watch any bands during daylight.

And you can't sleep, the sun comes up so early and then cooks your tent. People are coming and going 24 hours, and the normal times a person would sleep were very rowdy. Though it was quite funny hearing people roaming around crying about how they were lost. If you want to sleep at an abnormal time, it's too fucking hot unless you try the cinema tent.

Had some nice people camping near me, but overall the crowd was not the friendly-hippie-jam-band-loving-crowd I expected, mostly a bro/douche/frat vibe. I imagine it has only gotten worse. The bible bashing redneck locals protesting with "Jerry Garcia is burning in hell" signs did provide some comic relief. In Austin alone there are festivals like Psychfest/Levitation and Fun Fun Fun Fest that have far better vibes.

If I was going again (which I won't), I would get an RV spot near the festival grounds, or stay in a hotel and drive in each day. Camping was the absolute pits. Old and cranky rant, over and out.

Wow. You can't seriously compare fff fest and psych fest to bonaroo can you? That's like apples & asparagus dude, smh. It's bonaroo... Not my cup of tea but you come across as someone who's never done a 3 day camping fest before- all the things you mentioned are the same things that happen at any camping event I've been to, from a dozen phish festivals to berkfest etc. you can pretty much expect to walk/lug your gear, not sleep a wink and be hot as shit all day long in the sun.... It's a camping festival in the summer. Lulz/ eye roll guy.

SPEEDY MCCREADY

RoleModelsinBlood31 said:

Alfonz said:

PorchRadio said:

Have any of you been to Bonnaroo? It is perhaps my favorite place. So many diverse music acts. Much better vibe than any other festival. And Pearl Jam can play as long as they want to (no curfew, and headliners can play as long as they want). I already have my Roo tickets, so this news just sent me over the edge with excitement!

I've been and hated it. At least for camping. Went the year Buffalo Springfield played, knowing that Neil could pull the plug on that at any time. They were fantastic, but I packed my shit up and left on Sunday morning as quick as I could. As did many people around me.

Started with a 7 hour traffic jam, only to be randomly shunted off with no choice to BFE that was 50 minutes walk from the festival entrance. Despite acres of open camping fields that were much closer.

It was beyond hot/humid, and I'm used to hot weather based on where I've lived. Several people died from heat exhaustion (probably related to partying too hard), and it was so unbearable that you couldn't enjoyably watch any bands during daylight.

And you can't sleep, the sun comes up so early and then cooks your tent. People are coming and going 24 hours, and the normal times a person would sleep were very rowdy. Though it was quite funny hearing people roaming around crying about how they were lost. If you want to sleep at an abnormal time, it's too fucking hot unless you try the cinema tent.

Had some nice people camping near me, but overall the crowd was not the friendly-hippie-jam-band-loving-crowd I expected, mostly a bro/douche/frat vibe. I imagine it has only gotten worse. The bible bashing redneck locals protesting with "Jerry Garcia is burning in hell" signs did provide some comic relief. In Austin alone there are festivals like Psychfest/Levitation and Fun Fun Fun Fest that have far better vibes.

If I was going again (which I won't), I would get an RV spot near the festival grounds, or stay in a hotel and drive in each day. Camping was the absolute pits. Old and cranky rant, over and out.

Wow. You can't seriously compare fff fest and psych fest to bonaroo can you? That's like apples & asparagus dude, smh. It's bonaroo... Not my cup of tea but you come across as someone who's never done a 3 day camping fest before- all the things you mentioned are the same things that happen at any camping event I've been to, from a dozen phish festivals to berkfest etc. you can pretty much expect to walk/lug your gear, not sleep a wink and be hot as shit all day long in the sun.... It's a camping festival in the summer. Lulz/ eye roll guy.

Walk miles with your gear.
Not sleep a wink.
Be as hot as shit all day long in the sun.

Im sold!
Bonnaroo here I come!
Hahahaha

Not in a million years.