The 5 Best Bonnaroo Moments Of All Time

Tomorrow, Bonnaroo is scheduled to announce its 2014 lineup. Needless to say, we’re screaming. In honor of this most glorious of occasions, we thought we’d reminisce on fond memories of  Bonnaroos past. Here’s a rundown of our top 5 favorite Bonnaroo moments of all time.

 

1. 2010: Jay-Z Earns Hip-Hop Its Place In the Festival World
When Kanye West killed it (but like, in the dying way) at Bonnaroo 2008, the genre seemed light-years away from genuine acceptance into the festival’s community of musical icons. And just look at how far we have come. You can thank Jay-Z’s unforgettable performance at ‘Roo ‘10 for artists like Kendrick, Wu Tang Clan, Nas, Macklemore and Schoolboy Q. Based on the current lineups for comparable festivals like Governors Ball and Coachella, this year may just see more hip-hop artists than ever before in Bonnaroo history. Guess we’ll find out soon. (screams internally)

2. 2009: Beastie Boys Play Their Last Live Show

Beastie Boys’ incredible 2009 set ended up being the trio’s final performance, though nobody knew it at the time. (One month later, “MCA” Adam Yauch was diagnosed with cancer and the group canceled their remaining shows. In the spirit of Bonnaroo’s eclectic blend of genres and influences and, well, everything else available at one’s disposal under the great hot Tennessee sun, the Beasties did the majority of their set with their instruments in hand then brought Nas up to debut “Too Many Rappers.”

3. 2007: QuestLove Assembles A Supergroup

The Roots‘ drummer Questlove, three-time Grammy-winner Ben Harper, and living Led Zeppelin legend John Paul Jones came together for 90+ minutes of extended Zeppelin jams. Questlove, unsurprisingly yet awe-inspiringly nonetheless, once again reminded us why he’s one of the best drummers alive, and they all lived happily ever after in the Bonnaroo land of sugarplum guitar riffs and…tangerine…dreams? You know what I mean.

 

4. 2006: Radiohead Headlining Performance

Radiohead has long been known as a band to define a generation. Their headlining performance in 2006 is quite possibly the exact moment in which music fans and critics alike began making this claim. Considered by many, including publications like Rolling Stone magazine, to be Radiohead’s best live performance, this 2 and a half hour set was generally agreed upon as the highlight of Bonnaroo 2006, surpassing even other headliners like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

5. 2010: Chromeo and Daryl Hall Make Babies

One of the most fantastic aspects of Bonnaroo’s charm is its pairing of polar opposite artists to create once-in-a-lifetime performances on its stage. And you’d have a hard time coming up with a better old/new pairing than 2010’s Chromeo and Daryl Hall. The ’80s pop of Hall & Oates is the perfect complement to the goofy groove of Chromeo. To paint you a picture of the beauty, let me just mention that classics were performed by the duo like “I Can’t Go For That” and “Private Eyes.” I would strongly consider selling an appendage to have been there.

The clock is ticking, guys! Minute by minute, we creep ever closer to the lineup announcement. Get out your advent calendars…because if you play this Bonnaroo Lineup Announcement Drinking Game, you will have little to no idea what time of year it is! Just don’t drink at work, or else your subsequent unemployment will hinder procurement of tickets to Bonnaroo 2014 in all of its glory. ALL OF ITS GLORY.

Bonnaroo, we’re crazy for you.