We’re about half way through Bonnaroo 2010. It’s hard to believe, but time flies when you’re having fun.
Yesterday was sweltering, and today is even hotter. We’re now officially at the point when water, sunscreen and shade cease to be optional and become necessary for survival.
We were able to make it out to see tons of great performances yesterday. Tenacious D played the What Stage and gave a rocking performance. I overheard more than a half dozen people say that Jack Black is one of the best front men in Rock n Roll. One thing is certain, he knows how to own a crowd and give a stellar performance. They even played their tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio, and found time to do a medley of covers by the Who, many of which Jack forgot the words to, but none of the 45,000 or so that watched the set seemed to mind. I know I didn’t.
A few of us also caught the set by The National and we all came away extremely impressed. Tori Amos also played and was on point. Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros and Dr. Dog also gave stellar performances throughout yesterday and last night.
After doing some work and enjoying an adult beverage mixed by none other than Chris Thile, formerly of Nickel Creek, now with Punch Brothers (Chris can mix, too!) we set off for the midnight sets…..
Lt. Dan, Wells and I were able to find a spot on scaffolding behind the fence next to Which Stage to see last night’s Flaming Lips set. So not only were we able to sit, we had a bird’s eye view of the 40,000 or so fans that created a sea of people. One would have a hard time arguing that Wayne Coyne is not one of the premier visionaries on the planet when it comes to designing a live show, and last night did not disappoint. After playing 90 minutes of the Lips hits, the band returned to play Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” in its entirety.
Hammel was able to catch The Black Keys (who also started at midnight) and said it was a stellar show. The Black Keys will be at Ryman on August 12.
After the Flaming Lips and Black Keys, I met up with Hammel to catch hip-hop artist B.O.B. He was scheduled to start at 3:00am but began 25 minutes late. Anytime an act is 25 minutes late, said act had better come out with a vengeance – and that is exactly what he did.
Today, I got a chance to catch Brandi Carlile at That Tent and WOW. What an amazing talent. Brandi and her band were fantastic. This is Brandi’s first time playing at Bonnaroo. We’re trying to get Brandi for an interview later today. If (fingers crossed) it happens, check back here for the goods.
Stay cool campers!
Cheers
-Jayson
Nashville Sunday Night 