It's "last call" before The What Podcast takes a short break, so the crew gathers to tie up a few loose ends. No special guests, no topics, just Bryan, Barry, and Russ. But first, Barry has a little news to break about the first confirmed booking for Bonnaroo 2025. It's still too early for rumors and speculation, but Childish Gambino is making the rounds as a potential headliner. We don't think that's likely, despite what other people are reporting. What are our other thoughts on the Bonnaroo lineup for 2025? We then shift gears and look at the rise of EDM in the festival scene, as jam bands are on the decline. Plus, destination concerts and cruises are here. Would you consider going on a cruise to see your favorite artist perform? Finally, we look ahead at other events like South Star in Huntsville, and Burning Man in Nevada, happening as we speak. And Bryan leaves for NYC soon to see Pearl Jam again. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:01:16) Breaking Bonnaroo 2025 News (00:09:46) Speculating on Bonnaroo 2025 (00:19:20) EDM is up, jam is down (00:23:18) Future show plans (00:24:50) Childish Gambino (00:27:39) Cruise events (00:38:25) Burning Man (00:41:44) Bryan headed to NYC (00:44:52) Outro
We take a short break from Bonnaroo this week and finally dive into the upcoming South Star Festival in Huntsville, featuring an exclusive interview with Cory Smith, the marketing manager at C3 Presents. Cory, who has experience working on major festivals like Bonnaroo and Railbird, shares his insights on the challenges and excitement of organizing a new festival. Cory discusses everything from site selection to ensuring a top-notch fan experience, including amenities like flushable toilets and the walkability of the festival grounds. In addition to South Star, we also talk about his band, Boot Scootin' Boogie Nights, that played Bonnaroo this year. Listen to this episode of The What Podcast here or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen. Talk Bonnaroo and other festivals with us! Join the Discord ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:06:08) Interview with Cory Smith (00:43:11) Outro
Imagine preparing for your first trip to Bonnaroo, only to have your wristband stolen before it arrives. That’s exactly what happened to our guest this week, Abbey Sugrue. Rather than letting this setback ruin her festival experience, Abbey turned to the Reddit community for help and reached out to The What Podcast for additional advice and we awarded her a package of Bonnaroo memorabilia from Barry's basement. Not only was Abbey's first Bonnaroo a success, it gave her a new perspective on life, making it more than just a music festival. Hear her story and her tips for first-timers that will help you max out your experience as well. Plus, Barry, Bryan, and Taco kick things off with the latest festival updates, including the recent soggy experience at Elements Festival in Pennsylvania and what's happening at Outside Lands in California. Listen to this episode of The What Podcast here or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen. Talk Bonnaroo and other festivals with us! Join the Discord ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:02:14) Elements Festival (00:12:14) Friends in a band (00:17:54) Outside Lands (00:19:10) Pod Business (00:21:18) Interview with Abbey (01:04:37) Outro
While Bonnaroo news is light this week, the festival scene up north is buzzing. Lollapalooza lit up Chicago, and Montreal's Osheaga was equally vibrant. The crew is amazed by Chappell Roan's skyrocketing success in the pop world, as she wowed crowds at both festivals alongside artists like Noah Kahan, Green Day, and Reneé Rapp. Closer to home, Chattanooga is set to host a new Bluegrass festival for the next three years, and Bryan and Barry delve into this exciting development for the city. They also explore Huntsville's South Star and discuss some lineup changes at next month's Bourbon and Beyond. Finally, they look ahead to key dates for Bonnaroo 2025. Listen to this episode of The What Podcast here or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen. Talk Bonnaroo and other festivals with us! Join the Discord ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:02:27) New Albums (00:13:27) New bluegrass festival coming to Chattanooga (00:30:39) Lollapalooza (00:36:59) Osheaga (00:40:20) Upcoming lineup changes (00:45:51) South Star (00:49:00) Bonnaroo Dates (00:51:34) Outro
There's no band like GWAR and they did Bonnaroo right. From crew sacrifices to tea parties, these intergalactic warriors partied hard and put on an amazing late-night show, complete with their trademark blood. In this episode we debut our interview with their new guitarist Grodius Maximus. Also joining us is our campmate Elizabeth Thorpe, a photographer who got to shoot some amazing sets at Bonnaroo 2024, including GWAR while wearing our Never Not Great t-shirt! Later in the episode, Beth and Bryan reminisce about Woodstock '99 since they both attended 25 years ago. Listen to this episode of The What Podcast here or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen. Thumbnail photo: Elizabeth Thorpe ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:02:14) GWAR at Bonnaroo (00:06:20) Interview with Grodius Maximus (00:11:19) Beth at GWAR (00:25:02) Beth's Bonnaroo story (00:42:09) Bryan and Beth (00:47:40) Woodstock '99 (01:15:34) Favorite Shows (01:22:49) Outro
The Camp Reddaroo Beer Exchange was one of our most anticipated events for Bonnaroo 2024, and this week we are featuring a conversation we had on the Roo Bus about it featuring some guests you are probably familiar with. Daniel, Evan Bonnaroo, Mitchell, Kevin, and EDM Kyle. Also joining us was Romy Bayhack, who works for the festival. With Taco out of town this week, Barry and Bryan also talk about what's in store for the future of The What Podcast, and also look back at how the Bonnaroo Music and Arts festival has evolved in its 22-year history from being jam band heavy to what it has become today. Listen to this episode of The What Podcast here or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen. Thumbnail photo: Evan Brown ______ CHAPTERS (00:00) Intro (05:08) Bryan reflecting on Dead & Co. (11:42) Taco's weekend (14:05) Looking at future episodes (14:23) Bonnaroo's history of adapting (27:09) Setting up this week's interview (37:54) Beer Exchange (49:09) Outro
On today's episode of The What Podcast, we take a slight detour from Bonnaroo 2024 discussion and recap recent events. Russ went camping (again), and Bryan Stone flew out to Las Vegas to catch three nights of Dead & Company at The Sphere, plus the Hoover Dam. Bringing things back to Bonnaroo though, we also feature our interview with Happy Landing, who performed on the Who Stage Thursday at Bonnaroo 2024. Andrew, Wilson, Jacob, Keegan, and Matty from the band sat down with us and talked about doing their first Bonnaroo. Listen to this episode of The What Podcast here or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen. ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:02:12) Contest Update (00:04:55) Upcoming shows (00:07:55) Russ went camping again (00:11:05) Dead & Co. at The Sphere (00:49:06) Setting up this week's interview (00:53:49) Happy Landing at Bonnaroo (01:08:37) Outro
It's been almost a month, and we are still talking about Bonnaroo 2024. This week, we take a closer look at Post Malone's performance, talk about Russ' camping trip to The Other Farm, and start making plans for next year. This week's guest is Jason Singer of Michigander, who might be the nicest guy in the world. We talked about his first Bonnaroo, writing songs the Nashville way, and more. Listen to this episode of The What Podcast here or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen. Thumbnail Photo By: Scott Hotaling ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:00:57) Russ went camping (00:11:11) Post Malone show (00:20:01) Steve-O's tattoo (00:23:51) Reflecting on Bonnaroo (00:37:25) Bryan wants a shirt (00:40:45) Introducing this week's guest (00:47:02) Interview with Michigander (00:55:50) Responding to Reddit comments pt. 2 (01:00:33) Planning for next year (01:02:41) Upcoming shows and events (01:08:29) Outro
As soon as Piya, Nya, and Sabrina of Say She She stepped onto The Farm for Bonnaroo 2024, they instantly saw what made the festival so special. After performing to an enthusiastic crowd on Thursday, the trio sat down with Barry, Bryan, and Lord Taco to talk about their performance, their Talking Heads cover, and how they were welcomed to their first Bonnaroo. "I had so many friends tell me their beautiful stories about Bonnaroo and being proud of us that we're finally doing it," says Piya Malik, originally from the UK and she instantly saw the parallels to Glastonbury. "We're a new band. No one knows who we are. But the crowd that was there, the support of this, the energy, they welcomed us to their Bonnaroo." Listen to this episode of The What Podcast here or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen. Thumbnail Photo By: David Bruce ______ CHAPTERS (00:00) Intro (04:47) Responding to Reddit comments (22:36) Introducing this week's interview (31:05) Say She She (52:46) Outro
Bonnaroo 2024 is officially in the rearview mirror, and for most people, it was an incredible re-affirmation of what makes the festival so special. This week on The What Podcast, the crew recaps their time on The Farm, giving their thoughts on this year's event. Surprise, surprise... Barry, Lord Taco, and Bryan had an absolutely magic time at Bonnaroo 2024. In fact, they're already making plans for 2025. Before they get ahead of themselves, however, they recap why 2024 felt like such a special year on The Farm. Listen to this episode of The What Podcast here or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen. Photo Credit: Evan Brown
Bonnaroo 2024 has finally arrived!! Many of you might already be on The Farm, while others are just about to head down to Tennessee. This week on The What Podcast, the crew offers some last minute advice for everyone planning on attending. Picking up where they left off (check out part one and part two), Barry, Lord Taco, and Bryan provide advice that'll help you ensure you have a fun, safe, good-vibes-filled weekend at Bonnaroo 2024. Plus, they listen to a few more voicemails from seasoned Roovians. Listen to The What Podcast here or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen.
Last week on The What Podcast, the crew offered some crucial advice to those attending Bonnaroo 2024 with a little help from veteran roovians and seasoned listeners. Now, they're back to continue offering wisdom with even more tips and tricks. Listen to the crew go through their Bonnaroo Do's and Don'ts. With Bonnaroo 2024 only a week away, Barry, Lord Taco, and Bryan run through important reminders, from the importance of hydration to embracing the positivity of The Farm. As you pack and get ready to head to Tennessee, follow along with The What crew as they offer some last minute nuggets of advice. If you missed part 1, go back and pick it up here. Listen to The What Podcast here or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen.
Bonnaroo 2024 is nearly here, and for even the most experienced of Roovians, the excitement can sometimes come with a healthy heaping of nerves. Luckily, The What Podcast is here to help! Listen to the crew go through their Bonnaroo Do's and Don'ts. From what to pack and arrival plans to set up and navigation tactics, The What lays out everything Bonnaroo attendees need to know. The hosts even look beyond themselves for wisdom, as fans and Farm-goers call in to offer their own tips and tricks. Be sure to subscribe for Part 2 next week with even more tips and tricks! Listen to The What Podcast or watch it on Youtube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen.
This week on The What Podcast, Barry shares which acts are on his Bonnaroo 2024 don’t-miss list and which will be “walk bys.” He also explains why the Beer Exchange on Friday is at the top of his list of things to do. The guys go old school, really old school, as Barry shares photos of a 1916 Victrola he's refurbishing, while Lord Taco talks about an old iPod he's brought back to life. Bryan and Lord Taco also weigh in on news that Fred Again.. played in Las Vegas and the just-announced Outeroo schedule. Don't forget, the latest competition from The What Podcast is still on, and gang wants to hear from you! Give a call to The What Podcast official voicemail line at (423) 667-7877 and share your best Bonnaroo tips, tell a favorite Bonnaroo memory, or ask a question. They'll then select one winner to receive a prize package of Bonnaroo memorabilia from Barry's basement! Listen to The What Podcast chat about Barry's Bonnaroo 2024 schedule or watch it on Youtube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen.
Music festival season has officially begun, and The What Podcast is here to drink it all up. On this episode, the hosts talk with special guest Kevin Barnes about the official beer collaboration between Camp Reddaroo and Common John Brewery and look ahead to their time on The Farm for Bonnaroo 2024. The What crew kick off by chatting with Barnes about the Camp Reddaroo beer, which will of course be available during the Friday Beer Exchange. Barnes also drops some very special news about the beer collab and previews the Easter eggs hidden in its design. Then, they give the floor to Lord Taco, who charts out his ideal itinerary for Bonnaroo 2024. Don't forget, the latest competition from The What Podcast is still on, and gang wants to hear from you! Give a call to The What Podcast official voicemail line at (423) 667-7877 and share your best Bonnaroo tips, tell a favorite Bonnaroo memory, or ask a question. They'll then select one winner to receive a prize package of Bonnaroo memorabilia from Barry's basement! Listen to The What Podcast chat about Lord Taco's perfect Bonnaroo 2024 schedule or watch it on Youtube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen.
Music festival season has officially begun, and The What Podcast is here to soak it all in. On this episode, the hosts run through their experience at Shaky Knees 2024 and look ahead to their time on The Farm for Bonnaroo 2024. The What crew kick off by giving the floor to Bryan, who charts out his ideal itinerary for Bonnaroo 2024. Then, Bryan and Barry check in with Lord Taco in Atlanta to hear about Shaky Knees before chatting with friend-of-the-show Trevin Bernarding about the Charlotte music festival Lovin' Life. Don't forget, the latest competition from The What Podcast is still on, and gang wants to hear from you! Give a call to The What Podcast official voicemail line at (423) 667-7877 and share your best Bonnaroo tips, tell a favorite Bonnaroo memory, or ask a question. They'll then select one winner to receive a prize package of Bonnaroo memorabilia from Barry's basement! Listen to The What Podcast chat about Shaky Knees 2024 and Bryan's perfect Bonnaroo 2024 schedule. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen.
As much as we hate to admit it, music festivals just don't seem to drum up as much excitement as they used to. On this episode of The What Podcast, hosts Barry, Bryan, and Lord Taco explore the trend of declining ticket sales and what it might mean for the landscape of live events. In addition to getting to the bottom of the apparent festival fatigue, the crew also chats about what they believe to be the standard set of rules when it comes to approaching a famous person. At the same time, they acknowledge the times these rules can be bent or broken. The gang also introduces their latest contest. Give a call to The What Podcast voicemail line at (423) 667-7877 and share your best Bonnaroo tips, tell a favorite Bonnaroo memory, or ask a question. They'll then select one winner to receive a prize package of Bonnaroo memorabilia from Barry's basement! Listen to this episode now or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen.
Drumroll, please! The winner of The What Podcast’s ticket giveaway has officially been announced — congratulations to Lucy Young! Throughout their exploration of the Bonnaroo 2024 lineup, Barry, Bryan, and Lord Taco asked listeners which artists they should check out prior to heading to the farm. Over 100 of you called in to make recommendations, and the gang wants to thank all of you for doing so! Of course, only one caller can take home the tickets, and this year it’s San Antonio Roovian Lucy Young. Young joins the podcast to chat about why Bonnaroo is so special, telling stories of past years and a certain marriage proposal. Elsewhere, the crew also finds time to run through the latest music festival news, including the new Huntsville festival South Star. And now that our ticket giveaway is concluded, we want to introduce a new contest! This time, we want you to call our voicemail line at (423) 667-7877 and give is your best Bonnaroo tips, a favorite Bonnaroo memory, or ask us anything! We'll select one winner to receive a prize package of Bonnaroo memorabilia from Barry's basement! Listen to this episode now or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen.
Bonnaroo is famous for being a place where people can explore not only music, but themselves. That's why it is so important to foster safe environments for people of all walks of life. This week on The What Podcast, guests Tara Viland, Kai Viland, and Cassie Wanamaker join Barry and Bryan to continue last episode’s conversation about staying sober on The Farm. The crew chats about how Bonnaroo is a wonderful place for meeting new people and exploring new worlds, but how it can also be a tough place for people trying to lead a sober life. With the right support and a good mindset, however, it can lead to just as rewarding of an experience. Listen to this episode now or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen.
This week on The What Podcast, hosts Barry, Lord Taco, and Bryan offer their quick takes and expert opinions on the just-released Bonnaroo 2024 schedule. Every year, Barry, Lord Taco, Bryan, and thousands of Roovians patiently await the Bonnaroo schedule, hoping for the best and expecting the worst when it comes to set conflicts. Finally, the Bonnaroo 2024 schedule is here, and there’s lots to talk about! Will it all go out the window when you finally get to the Farm? Probably, but it sure is fun to map out your dream path through the festival! That's not all the crew has in store for listeners this week, however! They also talk with Patrick Whelan, co-founder of Soberoo, a non-profit organization he informally started at the first Bonnaroo in 2002. Soberoo is a project that ensures anyone looking to remain sober throughout the duration of the festival still has fun, safe places on the farm. The group now shares its mission at dozens of festivals around the country. Learn more here. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen.