bonnaroo

Dear Mr. West,

Earlier this week, I read your response to the criticism you've been receiving with regards to this year's Bonnaroo, and I'd like to take this opportunity to say: Dude, wtf?

Prior to this incident, I was fairly certain that I couldn't possibly like your persona less. But you've somehow managed to surprise me and even surpass my expectations for your behavior. That's quite an accomplishment!

Please don't misinterpret this as merely a hate letter, however. I do have respect for your work and the different dimensions you've fearlessly added to the hip-hop realm. I really loved The College Dropout, and I own The College Graduate and Graduation. But I must admit that soon after the release of your second album, the mere mention of your name began to leave a sour taste in my mouth. You suddenly exploded in the media, and I was perpetually left wondering why you felt the need to behave like a bratty, self-absorbed 5-year-old douchebag.

Continue reading An Open Letter to Kanye West

Photo by metalhazetc

A certain uptown Dallasite friend of BOT became inspired a few weeks ago and decided to make the journey to Manchester, TN for this year's edition of Bonnaroo. It was her first trip to the event; indeed, it was her very first major music festival experience. Eggs and I weren't able to attend this year, but we were treated to a series of text messages that never failed to make Eggs green. I got a kick out of them, though, and I think they accurately capture the first-time festival-goer's experience.

Videos and more after the jump

Bonnaroo recently lost a major artist in The Allman Brothers when they bowed out due to health-related issues. Earlier in the week, when they released that announcement, they also laid mention that there would be a big artist announcement on Thursday. The Led Zeppelin rumors immediately began to fly once more, sending message boards and other websites into a flurry up until midnight last night. Unfortunately those "Dazed and Confused" Brits did not make it on the bill, but instead Bonnaroo added a few familiar faces with Widespread Panic and Les Claypool, as well as some up-an-coming noise makers that we will all soon know and love.

Find out who else got added after the jump

There have been some big additions to many of the major music festivals. Here is a round-up of what we can now look forward to this year:

Check out the ADDitions after the jump

It looks like Bonnaroo is feeling the pain after the recent announcement of Rothbury Wednesday morning. The not-so-tiny-anymore festival went ahead and added Chris Rock to the line-up yesterday. Rock is slated to perform a one hour set on the What Stage (the biggest stage if you are Bonnaroo illiterate). They also noted that the audience will be amongst the largest for a comedy show ever. That's kinda cool. Hopefully we get a few comedians at Rothbury (Flight Of The Conchords!), but I can't really complain with a line-up that looks like this!

(Edit: According to Jambase, The Mars Volta are also performing at this year's festival)

Bonnaroo finally announced their line-up! The 2008 edition of the music and arts festival is set to take place June 12th through the 15th at the same farm we all know and love in Manchester, Tennessee. This year's headliners include Pearl Jam, Metallica, Kanye West, Phil Lesh & Friends and Jack Johnson. Other standout acts are festival veterans My Morning Jacket, The Allman Brothers Band, Umphrey's McGee and Yonder Mountain String Band as well as Bonnaroo virgins Vampire Weekend, Talib Kweli, Willie Nelson and The Raconteurs. The Comedy Tent is also making a return this year with David Cross, Zach Galifinakis and Brian Posehn among others.

Check out the initial line-up

Warehouse Live played host to Yonder Mountain String Band on Saturday, February 2nd. The standard start time of 9 pm was posted, bringing the band to the stage without delay. The BOT crew consisting of Eggs, Toast and Doughnut were in full effect. We happened to be stuck outside for the opening tune, "Sideshow Blues", waiting to get our tickets sorted out. Once inside, we were greeted by a busy venue, although navigation was quite easy as the energy had yet to pick up. Soon the lack of steam would not be a problem.

Check out Toast and Eggs' review and pictures from the show

Friday Radio Bonnaroo, streaming from their site, had a little fun with the online music community. They used their platform to announce clues to this years line-up that is supposed to be released sometime in the very near future (some hint towards February 6th). Eleven different clues were released to the rabid online 'Roo fans, making many message boards go wild. I included my guesses, but feel free to let us know what you think the clues might mean.

Continue reading for the clues

Rumor season has come early folks! Usually around January fake lineups from all of the major summer festivals start to pop up. Yesterday Billboard reported that Led Zeppelin are slated to play their first U.S. show in 30 years at this years Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. The report also listed Metallica as one of the headliners.