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Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
...Ok so its gonna be my first time, yeah im totally pumped. but i had a question for those of you that have been before, as far as how early you have to stake out a good location to watch one of the bigger acts going. im gonna guess hours?
but i just dont have any clue as to for who, how long to expect. i really wanna get up close for a few specifics, just like every other person for sure, but i was wondering how possible it is.
i'll take ANY tips from the pros! since i am a bonnaroo virgin...
"I would love to have you over. I'll have a rocking chair for you, we'll play the harmonica, laugh a little bit, and the sun will hit us, we'll sweat our asses off. Dammit, that's gonna be a good day. Until then, get your sleep, live your life, be a dork."
Post by helterskelter229 on Feb 27, 2005 10:34:30 GMT -5
Ive never tried to push my way to the front for any set the past two years Ive gone, so I dont really know the logisitcs on that one. But every show ive seen, ive had a pretty good view, from mid-crowd to the back. The field at the main stage for the headliners is huge, Ive always stayed in the back, cause its roomier and more comfortable, personally, but I saw everything fine. If you want front row, just head to the stage at the end of the previous act, and when the crowd disperses, move on up. You wont/cant really be there hours ahead cause music is constantly playing on every stage with only an hour or a half hour between sets, generally, with the exception of the late night sets. Id say its deffanitley possible though. at the roo, you just have to go with the flow and expect the unexpected. Itll be a good time no matter what.
If you want front row, just head to the stage at the end of the previous act, and when the crowd disperses, move on up.
That should do it in most circumstances. Between all of the water I'm drinking and all of the music going on, I tend to move around more than stake out prime locations. I think that Trey's set in '02 is the only time I have stayed up front for an entire set or more than a few songs.
People start to stake out the late night sets an hour plus ahead of time, but other than that it should be fairly easy to get a nice spot at any show if you make it a priority.
It really depends on what band you are talking about as well and how rabid and well represented their fan base is. For example I walked right up to the stage (without being at all rude to anyone) about ten minutes before My Morning Jacket's (incredible) set last year at the second biggest stage.
If you are talking about a band that only some of the Bonnaroo crowd might be interested in/ aware of you will have no problem. If you are talking about Widespread or Trey, you'll definitely need to make a project of staking out a spot an hour or two in advance.
That should do it in most circumstances. Between all of the water I'm drinking and all of the music going on, I tend to move around more than stake out prime locations. I think that Trey's set in '02 is the only time I have stayed up front for an entire set or more than a few songs.
People start to stake out the late night sets an hour plus ahead of time, but other than that it should be fairly easy to get a nice spot at any show if you make it a priority.
It really depends on what band you are talking about as well and how rabid and well represented their fan base is. For example I walked right up to the stage (without being at all rude to anyone) about ten minutes before My Morning Jacket's (incredible) set last year at the second biggest stage.
If you are talking about a band that only some of the Bonnaroo crowd might be interested in/ aware of you will have no problem. If you are talking about Widespread or Trey, you'll definitely need to make a project of staking out a spot an hour or two in advance.
I think ka mai has got it about right. On a similar note:
You'll find that no matter how well timed, highlighted, or spaced out your little Bonnaroo stage schedule is...you'll end up breaking your plans. If you really want to stay on your own schedule, you'll be able to, but I know in my case I ended up with a million and one really worthwhile distractions that took me all over the place. I went into it last year with my lineup of shows I wanted to see planned immaculately...then...I got to Roo. I found myself in awe of everything that was going on around me and was darting all over the place trying to take it all in! Sure, I caught the majority of the shows I intended on catching, but many others were sacrificed in the name of Bonnaroo madness! Just go with the flow and soak up all the spontaneity.
thank yall so much for all the info. i greatly appreciate it. gosh just talking about it makes me extremely impatient. if anyone else has anything else to add i'd love to hear it!
"I would love to have you over. I'll have a rocking chair for you, we'll play the harmonica, laugh a little bit, and the sun will hit us, we'll sweat our asses off. Dammit, that's gonna be a good day. Until then, get your sleep, live your life, be a dork."
Post by ClarkGriswold on Feb 27, 2005 18:46:33 GMT -5
helterskelter229, ka mai and aquariumdrunk nailed it perfectly, but I’ll add one more suggestion. There’s a couple big trees at the Which stage that offer good shade during the day. If someone you like is playing there, you may want be there early enough to grab a spot under those trees. Although the trees are not at the front of the stage, the view is good and the shade is a premium in the hot Tennessee sun.
Post by helterskelter229 on Feb 28, 2005 17:49:45 GMT -5
ClarkGriswold makes a good point. Last year, at Which stage, we crawled under the VIP stand for Gomez. That worked out pretty well too for shade, although we couldnt see very well. But those are some of the sacrafices you have to make, especially when you're about to fall over from the heat.
Post by indybluedreams on Mar 30, 2005 11:45:10 GMT -5
Every day show I caught at the main stage I parked it under those trees. Man you don't have any idea what it's like to be desperate for shade until you've lived on the farm in Manchester for a week in June. It must not be that bad though, I keep going back. As far as the night shows go... last year we were right in front of the stage when Trey and Dave did "Waste", I didn't have to fight that spot, it just happened, much like everything at Bonnaroo. Enjoy.