The Current Music Blog: June 15, 2008 Archive

Bonna-update

Posted at 3:07 PM on June 15, 2008 by Jill Riley (1 Comments)

Last night I found out I could be one of "those people" to watch a show from on stage. A big group of the folks staying on site at the radio compound were invited to see Jack Johnson perform on the main stage. I've never been a huge fan of Jack Johnson, but it was super fun to see a show from right on stage. As I looked out at all the thousands and thousands of fans in the crowd, I started to feel guilty because there were so many more people who would have just died to be up where I was. I would've given my right pinky to have been on the stage platform for Metallica or Pearl Jam. But, I did have a fun moment when Eddie Vedder came out on stage to sing a tune with Jack Johnson (photo credit Music Allies). I figured it was the closest I would ever be to Eddie Vedder, so I was pretty happy with that!

Speaking of Pearl Jam, they played after Jack Johnson on the main stage. Eddie Vedder seemed really happy with the vibe of the whole Bonnaroo festival. He said they've had some bad festival experiences in the past, so he wasn't even sure at first that they wanted to play a big festival. I'm glad they did, the setlist was great. They included all the hits of course, which I feel is necessary for a festival crowd. Pearl Jam ended up playing about an hour longer than their timeslot, which made all the fans happy. But-- would make trouble later for Kanye West.

All weekend long I've heard the buzz about the Kanye West show. I personally don't like the guy at all, but I was interested in seeing his show. I figured just because I don't like him doesn't mean I shouldn't report on the show, right? As it turns out I wouldn't see him anyway and I'll tell you why. Originally, Kanye was set to play at 8:45pm last night on the "Which Stage". At the start of the festival we were all notified that he would play the main stage at 2:45 am Saturday night/Sunday morning. Since there was a big timeslot and stage change, folks were chatting that he might be bringing some fabulous guests in during his performance. None of that happened. Everyone was expected the fabulous light show that goes along with his show. That didn't even happen. He didn't go on until 4:30am this morning because he's Kanye. So he only played half his set anyway, but it was getting light out so the light show wouldn't work.... Thanks Kanye. By the way... I didn't stay up till 4:30am. I have sources that did.

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On Air Visitors

Posted at 5:23 PM on June 15, 2008 by Jill Riley

During my broadcast on the air live from Bonnaroo, I had a couple surprise guests. First, Zack and Pat from Rogue Wave stopped by my studio. They're touring with Death Cab for Cutie right now and had played to a pretty decent crowd earlier today at their show.

After Mason Jennings recorded his backstage radio instudio, he stopped by to chat with me. He's just starting out his tour with Jack Johnson. I was really happy he stopped by, he's been the only Minnesota artist at Bonnaroo this year. He played two shows yesterday at Bonnaroo. I've never talked to Mason Jennings before, I thought he was a really nice guy, very down to Earth. And- it was nice that we had the Minnesota connection in common down here in Manchester, Tennesee!

Another surprise was running into Aimee Mann outside of the "latrine." She really took me by surprise, she was the last person I expected to see waiting in line. I said "hello" to her and gave her an awkward wave. I didn't think it would be cool to shake her hand right after walking out of the biff. I have some class... I think.

Tonight's agenda includes seeing Robert Plant and Allison Krauss perform on the main stage. I think I may also kick back and have some fun after 4 days of Bonnaroo!

This is the End-a-roo

Posted at 9:11 PM on June 15, 2008 by Jill Riley (1 Comments)

It's the last night of Bonnaroo. I can hear Widespead Panic behind me on the main stage, closing out the Bonnaroo Festival. As Widespead plays, teardown around the rest of the festival is in full force. Stages are coming down and venders are packing up. As cliche' as this sounds, "what a long strange trip it's been" this weekend. Some festival-goers are leaving tonight, but plenty of campers will stay the night. Traffic tomorrow morning should be fun. It's my last night staying at the Bonnaroo Radio compound.

Here's more on the Kanye West debacle at Bonnaro. I'm not sure he'll be asked back...

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