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I am 3 months late on this, but this was initially in response to postjack’s question of what we learned about ourselves at Bonnaroo this year. And also just a general recap since I haven’t done one.
I know I've sort of mentioned it on here at one point, but I hesitate to talk too much about it as I don't want it to be like a main association people have with me. But I have severe social anxiety, basically as bad as it gets, or so I've been told. It's greatly affected every facet of my life for as long as I can remember, and in recent years (I'm 27 now) I've really struggled with feeling like my 20's have passed me by with very few life experiences or truly happy memories to show for it. Fortunately my job at least is one thing that has been going really well, but even with that, I've realized that the real "meaning of life" for me is just sharing meaningful experiences with people you care about and who care about you, and forming lasting memories. I'd kind of lost that for one reason or another, and in losing that, even good memories begin to come attached with sadness, and once that happens, what do you turn to mentally for comfort? So yeah, the last few years I'd sort of become a version of myself that I didn't like. Bad habits, self-medicating (nothing that would be considered major, but the change is still very apparent to me) to try to avoid thoughts and feel like I could function, and just not really progressing, not feeling emotions like I used to, whether high or super low. That's honestly why the 2021 cancellation was crushing for me; not just because it was my favorite lineup ever, but because I'd been putting every bit of my excitement and hope into that basket for months. I felt like that was going to be the kickstart I needed. I’ll forever have that Platinum wristband as a painful reminder lol.
So fast forward to this year, the lineup didn’t excite me the way it did most people, but I knew I at least needed to see Paramore. Thought I’d probably buy a day pass, but I also was really bummed at the idea of missing out on that late night Bonnaroo magic again. I’d been to Bonnaroo twice in the past (‘16 and ‘18), and while both had their highs, they were very difficult at the same time. I was in really dark places mentally both of those years. However, this year I had been using the Paramore concert in ATL as a sort of beacon, something to motivate myself to work on my habits and get my mind more right. And it worked! Anxiety was still very much there, but I felt closer to how I imagine most people feel normally. I made a decision on a whim to camp out all night with the hardcore Paramore fans to get barrier, and it ended up being such an awesome, surreal experience that I really needed. That ended up being the push that made me decide I was going to go to Bonnaroo.
Only issue is that by the time I decided, Bonnaroo was 2 weeks away, I’d done no prep and knew I’d be going solo. I decided since I never got my Platinum experience in 2021, that fuck it, I’m just going to do it and enjoy myself. Mindset immediately shifted, starting buying tons of shit, prepping, setting up my camp. Preparing myself way better than I did in 2018 to make it a comfortable experience. And it ended up being fucking incredible.
While the other Roo’s I’d been to, the amount of people, seeing everyone’s freedom, was almost painful for me, this time I felt the most comfortable with myself I’d felt in years. I was wearing whatever I wanted to wear, I was being kind and receiving kindness back, and because I was in that headspace, the music was all so much better than I was even expecting. Part of this I’m sure was being in Platinum and not dealing with any crazy crowds, but I genuinely did not have a SINGLE negative interaction the entire trip.
Now, to Platinum itself. It’s not something I could do every year just based on price, but holy shit. Absolutely no regrets, and it’s going to be really hard to go back to GA or even VIP lol. Initially I was annoyed that they took away the included backstage camping, but this year instead they had a Platinum lounge in Centeroo with a fully curated menu for the whole weekend. The meals were, overall, actually amazing. So much better than 95% of anything you could find in Centeroo, and no worry about having to find a place to eat. And always a large selection, healthy options, and clutch late night snacks that they’d make for being on-the-go, like meatballs in a cup. This was just such a relief to not have to ever worry about what to eat or when to find the time to wait in line.
The lounge also had some air-conditioned restrooms, nothing fancy, but they kept cleaning staff at them at all times, so they were always completely spotless and stocked up. I’d find myself walking across Centeroo just to use these. Pooping in a porta-potty I’ve decided is just a personal hell of mine, so this was luxury. Lounge also had lockers, a glitter station (which I utilized), portable chargers, and of course the full service bar. I only drank on Thursday though, but otherwise I was constantly getting ice-cold Liquid Deaths, which was honestly amazing. It makes such a difference having cold, fresh water at all times. The golf cart transportation ended up coming in very clutch too, especially as the weekend went on. Those drivers waste NO time lol, I almost fell off the back the first time I got on one. It was pretty cool too driving backstage and seeing behind things. And I loved that not a single driver ever acted like it was a bother; most were actually just excited to be there and talking to people.
The main reason I got Platinum though, the viewing areas. This was just another level. I’m short, but I’m someone who enjoys shows way more if I’m up close and feel part of it, being able to see the performer’s emotions, but it sucks being smashed in a crowd not being able to see, and maybe worse, not being above the line of fresh air and instead breathing the musky, stuffy air off people’s backs. Getting barrier without missing almost every other show is of course not possible typically, though. Being able to be front center barrier at the tents, a perfect spot behind the pit at the stages, was invaluable. Sets like Korn and Remi Wolf I’m not sure I would have even been able to enjoy otherwise, based on what I’ve read from others. They did make the Platinum tent pits way too fucking big though; I don’t know what they were thinking there. It was kinda awkward and I felt bad about taking up that much desire space, and for the artists having to see all that blank space. Dumb call by Roo. Then I wasn’t sure if this would work, but Paramore was the one show I tried to use Platinum to get actual barrier at a stage, and yep, they didn’t bat an eye. I was front center barrier, they played their most rare song, and it was the best way to end Bonnaroo.
One regret I had is that I realized I saw way less music than almost anyone here. But I didn’t really mind, I was just going with the flow and treating this as vacation while seeing some awesome music. The Sunday forecast did kinda fuck up that day, as I missed Men I Trust to go pre-pack my camp, then decided to skip Foos who I was excited for, to go ahead and head out. But overall I wasn’t too mad about it once I saw the aftermath on reddit. Just hate I missed the Hayley Williams “My Hero” moment. But I was on such a high from the weekend, that it was only a small sting.
Hoping for an even better lineup next year, and excited that I finally felt the Bonnaroo magic that I knew was there.
Post by piggy pablo on Sept 17, 2023 3:43:00 GMT -5
I'm really happy for you that you had such a great experience. Who cares if you left early. You bought the ticket, do whatever you want. Also glad to get an honest review of Platinum.
origin shoot my group peaced out Sunday afternoon as well. That doesn’t mean we all did have a blast loved the recap! Glad you ended up making the trip !
loved the recap! Glad you ended up making the trip !
