Bonnaroo Music Festival co-founder Jonathan Mayers dies at age 51

Jonathan Mayers, a co-creator of the Bonnaroo Music Festival and Outside Lands, has passed away at the age of 51. Outside Lands, an annual music festival held in Golden Gate Park, and Bonnaroo, a music extravaganza set on a picturesque farm in Tennessee, were testaments to Mayers’ passion for music and events.

Mayers’ roots in the music scene trace back to his graduation from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1995. There he immersed himself in the vibrant cultural tapestry of the city, working with iconic venues like Tipitina’s and contributing to the renowned New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. His career took a pivotal turn when he co-founded Superfly with Rick Farman, Kerry Black, and Richard Goodstone in 1996.

The inception of Bonnaroo in 2002 marked a significant milestone for Mayers and his team. Collaborating with Ashley Capps from AC Entertainment and Coran Capshaw from Red Light, Bonnaroo emerged as a groundbreaking event that redefined the music festival landscape. With its roots in Louisiana slang, the festival’s moniker “Bonnaroo” encapsulates the essence of having a great time.

Eschewing traditional advertising platforms, the organizers of Bonnaroo managed to sell out the event without the aid of mainstream media. The festival, set on a vast 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee, drew over 70,000 attendees during its initial run. Bonnaroo quickly established itself as a haven for jam-band enthusiasts, drawing iconic acts like Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Widespread Panic, and Trey Anastasio among others.

The subsequent editions of Bonnaroo saw an eclectic lineup featuring genre-spanning artists such as James Brown, Neil Young, Toots and the Maytals, and Sonic Youth. With most attendees opting to camp on-site, Bonnaroo fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among festival-goers. The idyllic countryside setting, coupled with a diverse musical roster, created an unparalleled experience for attendees.

Mayers’ vision for Bonnaroo extended beyond mere entertainment; he aimed to create a transformative experience for festival-goers. Renowned music critic Ben Ratliff lauded Bonnaroo for offering a respite from the mundane, describing it as a realm of “peaceful collegiate rebellion.” Mayers himself likened the festival to a summer camp, a place where attendees could disconnect from reality and immerse themselves in music and community.

Over the years, Bonnaroo has evolved into a cultural institution, hosting chart-topping artists like Post Malone, Stevie Nicks, Tool, and Kendrick Lamar. Despite facing challenges like inclement weather, the festival has continued to captivate audiences with its diverse lineup and vibrant atmosphere.

In addition to Bonnaroo, Mayers and his team curated Vegoose, a Las Vegas-based festival that ran over Halloween weekend for three years. Boasting unique attractions like a wedding chapel, Vegoose attracted a diverse array of musical acts and further solidified Mayers’ reputation as a trailblazer in the live music landscape.

Jonathan Mayers’ legacy lives on through the enduring impact of Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, festivals that have transformed the live music experience for countless attendees. His innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to fostering communal connections through music have left an indelible mark on the festival industry.