Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
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!!
Post by Funky Munky on May 4, 2010 22:01:23 GMT -5
So I've heard some speculation on random threads that attendance is going to be down because:
1. The schedule sucks. (I don't agree) 2. The economy sucks. (I agree) 3. There are so many other festivals to go to. (I'll go to them too)
However, a recent Billboard article quotes AC as:
Similarly, other major festivals say they haven't been significantly affected by the recession. The United Kingdom's Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds festivals have all sold out. And ticket sales for Bonnaroo in Tennessee "are looking really good compared with last year," says A.C. Entertainment president Ashley Capps, whose company co-produces Bonnaroo with Superfly Productions.
"Two weeks ago we were up 10% and this week we're up 15%, so I'm feeling really optimistic," Capps continues. He declined to reveal specific ticket sales numbers.
-- What do you guys think, just BS marketing? I can see how more people are doing stuff like this rather than more expensive vacations if money really is the issue. Other than a couple of festivals canceling it looks like most of the stuff that has already gone down did well.
My thinking is this - the last four to five years saw a real glut in the number of festies people could choose to go to over the course of the year. Smaller state-wide events, as well as national draws started popping up everywhere because investors saw what cash cows 'Roo (and others) could be and wanted to get in on the action. The sheer number of options kept people spread out and attendance pretty consistent.
Now though, a lot of those fests have died off due to the same economic problems that are keeping people at home. The thing is, even though fewer people over-all might be going to festivals this summer compared to earlier years, there are also fewer festivals to choose from, especially when it comes to the massive camping scene like 'Roo.
Bottom line, I bet AC isn't just blowing smoke...I bet numbers are up from last year because the economy is better, but also there are fewer places for people to go. And no matter what you think of it personally, the line-up has a lot of big and familiar names that are guaranteed draws. I predict 80,000+ this year.
"We're no longer called Sonic Death Monkey. We're on the verge of becoming Kathleen Turner Overdrive, but just for tonight, we are Barry Jive and his Uptown Five. "
^^that would make it the biggest Roo since 2004, then. I heard that after they had 90,000+ people that year, they realized it was just too much of a logistical nightmare and have since capped it at around 80,000. However, it's Roo, and the organizers are the ones who get to choose when it's sold out. If they hit their cap when there's still demand, I'm sure they'll have no hesitation about releasing an extra 5,000 tickets - especially considering they haven't had a sell-out in a few years now.
I think 85,000 is overly optimistic, though. I don't really trust what Ashley Capps says, because, well, it's Ashley Capps. Of course he's going to say that ticket sales are good, just like every year in January before the lineup comes out, he says "I think this is one of the best lineups we've ever had". He's a biased party. He has a financial incentive to make the fest look more popular, just as he has an incentive to say he really likes the lineup. It wouldn't be a very good PR move to go out there and say "nobody's buying tickets this year, we're a month away and we've only sold 50,000", or "I think this lineup kind of sucks to be honest, and Kings of Leon will be a crappy headliner".
Yes, there was some oversaturation of the festival market over the past five years once investors realized what cash cows they could be. And this recession has seen some of them fail (Langerado, Rothbury, etc.) While this means less competition for Roo, it also could adversely affect it as well, because it may mean fewer people are attending festivals in general.
Also, let's not forget that although the economy is on the upswing, unemployment is still hovering around 10%, and that's not including the people who have given up looking for work, or who have stopped applying for unemployment benefits. So, with that lagging factor, I think people might still be hesitant to spend so much money on something so frivolous.
I think ticket sales are actually fine. This year's lineup (especially some of the lackluster acts at the top of the bill) has a really wide popular appeal. It may make Bonnaroo more "approachable" for some people. The marketing for the festival continues to get more pervasive into all forms of media as the years go by as well.
And crunchies for the find munky; I was wondering about this just last night...
So I've heard some speculation on random threads that attendance is going to be down because:
1. The schedule sucks. (I don't agree) 2. The economy sucks. (I agree) 3. There are so many other festivals to go to. (I'll go to them too)
However, a recent Billboard article quotes AC as:
Similarly, other major festivals say they haven't been significantly affected by the recession. The United Kingdom's Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds festivals have all sold out. And ticket sales for Bonnaroo in Tennessee "are looking really good compared with last year," says A.C. Entertainment president Ashley Capps, whose company co-produces Bonnaroo with Superfly Productions.
"Two weeks ago we were up 10% and this week we're up 15%, so I'm feeling really optimistic," Capps continues. He declined to reveal specific ticket sales numbers.
-- What do you guys think, just BS marketing? I can see how more people are doing stuff like this rather than more expensive vacations if money really is the issue. Other than a couple of festivals canceling it looks like most of the stuff that has already gone down did well.
I'm pretty sure that article is talking about the 2009 festival. But regardless, Coachella had a really strong year ticket-wise, and I expect Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and the like to follow suit. Especially with relatively mainstream acts like DMB, Kings of Leon, the D and Weezer. My prediction is 75k.
Post by pondo ROCKS on May 5, 2010 14:53:01 GMT -5
I do not expect it to be over 70,000 honestly. Here is why: one: With the Hangout Music Festival added this year, I think some people will just go to that and call it a day. I know there is no Rothbury this year but other festies will pop up as well Two: Coachella had a really strong lineup with a lot of first timers going, thus taking away some who might to go to Bonnaroo (lack of funds) Three: Backlash over DMB and KoL being headliners...personally, I could care less who headlines because there are so many shows to see but this may contribute. Four: Economy is still down a little Five: Finally, lack of a Jam-Band base may result in people going elsewhere.
I will be one of the 70,000 (or less) there for sure
Providing an outlet and a voice for music lovers to unite under the common theme of music for all. Join The Pondo Army to show your allegiance to musical freedom! Fighting for no censorship of the arts & music education in schools, The Pondo Army will triumph! The Pondo Army Movement
Follow me on twitter@Pondoknowsbest
I wouldn't be surprised to see attendance up this year though, because the economy is doing better. 08 and 09 were not as crowded as 06 and 07, and I don't think the lineup really had that much to do with it.
I wouldn't be surprised to see attendance up this year though, because the economy is doing better. 08 and 09 were not as crowded as 06 and 07, and I don't think the lineup really had that much to do with it.
Post by Funky Munky on May 5, 2010 18:21:59 GMT -5
Thanks for pointing out my oversight. Not that I have any experience with determining what logistical differences there would be between 70,000 and 80,000 Rooers, or that less or more attendees would deter me from attending I am curious how the general population is responding to the lineup. I don't care much for the headliners, I don't think I would pay to see any of them if I had to drive more than about 45 minutes (maybe the FLIPS, maybe Stevie) but the rest of the bands are really solid. If you can't find twenty or thirty bands out of that lineup then you are one picky SOB.
My opinion is I still think the attendance will be around 65,000. The market is up but unemployment is still around 10% in many parts of the country. I know working for a major New York sports team our ticket sales for 2010 are not doing well at all. 2009 was great compared to what will be 2010. I think it is across the board, concerts and sporting events. Since we camp with our trailer we get mail every day telling us that there is not a three night minimum stay at campgrounds during the holiday weekends this year. Things are slow out there.
This is a earlier my response form "Where have all Inforoosters gone?" Thread:
"You are correct, in years past I had a ton of PM's and emails asking questions. This year it is very quiet. I think a lot of people here on the message board have been here for a couple of years and really do not have anything to ask. Others might do enough reading that there is nothing to ask. Either way it is quiet. I am wondering how much of the attendance will be down this year. If it anything like professional sports I would expect it to be down 20% (16,000 people). The one NASCAR event I attended in March (Bristol) had sold out for years, this year was not the case at all. They said the capacity was around 130,000, this track seats 160,000, so it looks like they are down 20%. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the extra space that we had.
This is my guess. 65,000 people attend this year. What is everyone else's estimate? "
I heard they're thinning out the volunteer numbers because they haven't even sold half of their tickets yet. Personally, I think it has less to do with the economy and more to do with the lineup. I could have easily afforded a ticket if the lineup was halfway decent.
One also has to wonder how many locals will not be able to attend this year due to the flooding in Nashville.
I heard they're thinning out the volunteer numbers because they haven't even sold half of their tickets yet. Personally, I think it has less to do with the economy and more to do with the lineup. I could have easily afforded a ticket if the lineup was halfway decent.
One also has to wonder how many locals will not be able to attend this year due to the flooding in Nashville.
I've seen tickets on ebay go for as cheap as 220. I just don't see the demand this year. I am going largely because I already had the time off work. There just isn't that "wow" factor this year. (Yes, I am excited to see Stevie, but the line up is pretty generic)
I heard they're thinning out the volunteer numbers because they haven't even sold half of their tickets yet. Personally, I think it has less to do with the economy and more to do with the lineup. I could have easily afforded a ticket if the lineup was halfway decent.
One also has to wonder how many locals will not be able to attend this year due to the flooding in Nashville.
I've seen tickets on ebay go for as cheap as 220. I just don't see the demand this year. I am going largely because I already had the time off work. There just isn't that "wow" factor this year. (Yes, I am excited to see Stevie, but the line up is pretty generic)
Be careful, you guys are about to be slammed for not blowing this lineup.
I heard they're thinning out the volunteer numbers because they haven't even sold half of their tickets yet. Personally, I think it has less to do with the economy and more to do with the lineup. I could have easily afforded a ticket if the lineup was halfway decent.
One also has to wonder how many locals will not be able to attend this year due to the flooding in Nashville.
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
I've seen tickets on ebay go for as cheap as 220. I just don't see the demand this year. I am going largely because I already had the time off work. There just isn't that "wow" factor this year. (Yes, I am excited to see Stevie, but the line up is pretty generic)
Be careful, you guys are about to be slammed for not blowing this lineup.
I'm not slamming the line up, it is just the line up is full of acts that have been touring the U.S. for years. Outside of Stevie, there isn't that once in a lifetime type act on this bill. However, by saying the line up is generic, doesn't mean it is bad.
One thing I will say Roo has on Coachella, is the people. 75%-85% of the people at Roo are so friendly, I felt 50% were at Coachella. I am super excited for roo, regardless.
Be careful, you guys are about to be slammed for not blowing this lineup.
I'm not slamming the line up, it is just the line up is full of acts that have been touring the U.S. for years. Outside of Stevie, there isn't that once in a lifetime type act on this bill. However, by saying the line up is generic, doesn't mean it is bad.
One thing I will say Roo has on Coachella, is the people. 75%-85% of the people at Roo are so friendly, I felt 50% were at Coachella. I am super excited for roo, regardless.
Totally with you.... Actually I think you just said this better than most everyone.
I think it has less to do with the economy and more to do with the lineup.
Completely agreed. Coachella was able to completely sell out for the first time since 2007, and that was with an expanded max capacity (an extra 15,000!).
I heard they're thinning out the volunteer numbers because they haven't even sold half of their tickets yet. Personally, I think it has less to do with the economy and more to do with the lineup. I could have easily afforded a ticket if the lineup was halfway decent.
One also has to wonder how many locals will not be able to attend this year due to the flooding in Nashville.
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
I think it has less to do with the economy and more to do with the lineup.
Completely agreed. Coachella was able to completely sell out for the first time since 2007, and that was with an expanded max capacity (an extra 15,000!).
Exactly, if you have a good lineup, people will show up. This year the lineup isn't as good, I'm going more for my brand loyalty at this point rather than the elusive "wow" factor.
I've learned my lesson though, not buying presale again. Bonnaroo just doesn't have the guarantee like Coachella that they'll have a great lineup year after year.
I started hitting a music fest every year. This is the third year and it falls on Roo. The lineup sucks compared to what I'd like to see; still some great acts tho. I'm really interested to enjoy the roo experience despite a "meh" lineup.