I am a Bonnaroo engineer, and Mrs. Featherbottom is absolutely right! While sure, every band is going to have it’s problems, but nothing like this! Standard protocol in fact is to set up a majority of the headliner’s light gear before even the first show on the main stage of that particular day. It is a 100% cop out that kanye tried to load in and wasn’t allowed. The truth is he was scheduled to play on the “Which Stage” but due to his enormous ego, he made a demand to be moved to the main stage! He also demanded that NO OTHER SETS COULD BE GOING ON! Now, as a sound engineer or stagehand that’s pretty much your worst nightmare. Think about it, I assure you that probably the majority of the time spent was breaking down whatever gear had already been set up on the “Which Stage” and moving it hundreds of yards away. I can absolutely guarantee you that NO OTHER band, engineer, or stagehand has ever had to deal with a problem of that caliber in Bonnaroo history. And as far as the promoters of the festival not doing their jobs, and “not having the capacity to put on this level of show”!!!??? WHAT!!!?? We’re talking about AC Entertainment (Ashley Capps), and Superfly Productions (Coran Capshaw) two of THE BIGGEST and most reputable names in the music industry! I’m sorry but I don’t see it as mere coincidence that everyone does their jobs to meet set-up deadlines, start shows on time, and achieve fan satisfaction for every show that has gone through Bonnaroo for 9 years. Oh…… just except this one, that was totally Bonnaroo’s fault. Whatever Kanye, at least the one good thing to come out of it is that we know for a fact you won’t ever be gracing us with your selfish presence again at the Roo!
I am a Bonnaroo engineer, and Mrs. Featherbottom is absolutely right! While sure, every band is going to have it’s problems, but nothing like this! Standard protocol in fact is to set up a majority of the headliner’s light gear before even the first show on the main stage of that particular day. It is a 100% cop out that kanye tried to load in and wasn’t allowed. The truth is he was scheduled to play on the “Which Stage” but due to his enormous ego, he made a demand to be moved to the main stage! He also demanded that NO OTHER SETS COULD BE GOING ON! Now, as a sound engineer or stagehand that’s pretty much your worst nightmare. Think about it, I assure you that probably the majority of the time spent was breaking down whatever gear had already been set up on the “Which Stage” and moving it hundreds of yards away. I can absolutely guarantee you that NO OTHER band, engineer, or stagehand has ever had to deal with a problem of that caliber in Bonnaroo history. And as far as the promoters of the festival not doing their jobs, and “not having the capacity to put on this level of show”!!!??? WHAT!!!?? We’re talking about AC Entertainment (Ashley Capps), and Superfly Productions (Coran Capshaw) two of THE BIGGEST and most reputable names in the music industry! I’m sorry but I don’t see it as mere coincidence that everyone does their jobs to meet set-up deadlines, start shows on time, and achieve fan satisfaction for every show that has gone through Bonnaroo for 9 years. Oh…… just except this one, that was totally Bonnaroo’s fault. Whatever Kanye, at least the one good thing to come out of it is that we know for a fact you won’t ever be gracing us with your selfish presence again at the Roo!