0 SRG ON TOUR: Bonnaroo 2010: Day 2 Recap

Words and Photos by Nik Christofferson

The sun had already pushed us out of our tent into the slightly more breezy rental car by 7am, so with a quick stretch, a splash of water to the face, and a beer to the dome we ascended early into CenterRoo for breakfast. We ventured into the media area first to see what that was all about. Much to our excitement, we had a home base with cleaner bathrooms, water, air conditioning, food, beer, and plenty of comfy places to take a load off. Yes, we were slightly spoiled on this first trip to Manchester compared to the average festival goer, but I’m absoluetly positive that making the trip from Seattle was at least worthy of accessible toilet paper.

We covered every inch of the festival grounds exploring and migrating from water bottle refilling station to the next. It was blazing hot, easily over 90 degrees all day, and of course humid as all get out. That would not deter from the music one bit, and so we took in some early afternoon performances that included a backstage stripped down media only Dr. Dog set, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, The Gaslight Anthem, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and ex-Olympia natives The Gossip. The Gossip’s Beth Ditto ignited a dance party between stories of her days growing up in Arkansas, and her sister’s insistence she move the hell out of the midwest. Ditto also raised a few eyebrows when she openly stated her fears prior to arrival that the predominantly southern Bonnaroo crowd would be one of those “God Hates Fags” type audiences. She then playfully recanted to roars of cheers, saying she was glad it was a “Fags Hate God” crowd instead. Progressive jam band Umphrey’s McGee was super impressive on the “Which Stage”, and was probably the best new discovery of the entire festival, but the biggest draw of the day was certainly Conan O’brien. Lunatic fans had been waiting since sun-up for a chance to see Coco in the flesh. Luckily for us they simulcasted Conan's ex-late night show turned touring act on a huge video screen for all to watch, and it was basically the same as being in the comedy tent. Suckers!

Next up was a rather hilarious afternoon discussion panel that featured the likes of Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne, Matt from The National, Comedy Central roast master Jeff Ross among others. Ross was hysterical, roasting anyone and everyone including unsuspecting media folks. Even Coyne’s band name was far game. The big hit of the panel: "Do you know where The Flaming Lip’s got their name?" "Courtney Love’s vagina." Coyne seemed unimpressed by the crack, but it was met with rolling laughter anyways.

Shortly after, The National took over the “Which Stage” but seemed a little out of place playing in the sweltering heat of the early evening, and unfortunately looked downright uncomfortable. Later on, Seattle’s own Moondoggies killed their 50 min Bonnaroo debut. The smallish but stoked crowd crooned along and smiles were abundant including my own.

The day really hadn’t even begun musically by 7pm, as the best was yet to come during the late night to early morning hours. The comedy and finger plunkin’ skills of Steve Martin and his Steep Canyon Rangers was an extremely fun and random experience. Les Claypool was friggin’ awesome, and one of the best performances of the day. Late in the set he even through in “Southbound Pachyderm” and a killer cover of Rush’s “The Spirit of the Radio”. As much as I dislike the growing popularity of Kings of Leon, they do put on an energetic and rocking live show. Both “Fans” and “Notion” are sweet tunes, but it was their spot on rendition of The Pixies’ “Where is My mind?” that was the real treat. The Flaming Lip’s took over next with a short set of hits and their typical confetti blizzard, followed by the much hyped “Dark Side of the Moon” set.  Despite the mediocre studio recording, this was only the second time it was played live ever, and could not be overlooked, plus it fit the late night vibe perfectly. The Black Keys unfortunately had to play opposite the Lips, but there was no shortage of people as the packed beyond belief “That Tent” jived and jammed to easily one of the best sets of the whole festival. I forgot what an amazing drummer Patrick Carney is. The new material is even stronger live, and damn if at this very moment, The Black Keys aren’t one of the greatest rock duo’s of all time. Battling for late night vampires were funk band Galactic and everyone’s favorite traveling electronic dance party – LCD Soundsystem. One of the best things about Bonnaroo came into play during Saturday’s late night clash of the titans: Flaming Lips vs Black Keys, Galactic vs LCD. Everyone on the Bonnaroo bill played full 1.5-2hr sets, and consenquently it allowed for stage wanderers like myself ample time with each act.

As the late night acts winded down, the skies began to lighten and the early morning rave ramped up courtesy of Deadmau5. After the ears appeared we decided to call it. The 16 hour day whisked by without a single yawn or a moment to complain of the heat. The abundance of music and the constant entertainment and wonder of 75,000 people all stinking and sweating and smiling for the love of music and this insane once a year party made the first full day all the more amazing. As we settled in the tent around 4am the realization set in that full punishment of the sun would wake us in less than 3 hours, nothing to do but laugh at the insanity. I was also reminded again that this was my weekend long 30th birthday party, and so far it had been the biggest and best one since the first one.

Time logged in CenterRoo: 16hrs

Who we saw:

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Gaslight Anthem, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Gossip, Umphrey’s McGee, Dr. Dog, She & Him, Ok Go, The National, The Moondoggies, Tori Amos, Les Claypool, Steve Martin & Steep Canyon Rangers, Kings of Leon, The Flaming Lips performing Dark Side of the Moon, The Black Keys, Galactic, LCD Soundsystem, DeadMau5