Jay C. February 3, 2011, 13:00:56

Phish and Bruce: Two worlds collide

Beth February 3, 2011, 13:02:30

Radiohead hands down. Amazing music. You could hear a pindrop while they were out there.

Kev G February 3, 2011, 13:04:54

Widespread Panic, 2002! Mikey Houser still making stirring music to the end. Dottie Peoples was amazing as well!

Wesley H. February 3, 2011, 13:35:40

(1) MMJ 2006
(T-1) MMJ 2008
(3) Nine Inch Nails 2009
(4) STS9 2005
(5) Jay-Z 2010

dan February 3, 2011, 14:25:50

1) Phish first night • 2009
2) Galactic • 2009
3) Oysterhead • 2006

Matt B. February 3, 2011, 17:44:20

(1) Tennessee Jed – Phil and Friends – 2002
(2) Bathtub Gin – Dave and Trey – 2004
(3) North Mississippi All Stars Hill Country Review – 2003

Paul C February 3, 2011, 21:18:25

Hands down my favorite Bonnaroo performance was My Morning Jacket in 2004. This was a life-changing set of music for me. It was just one of those rare indescribable musical highs. MMJ’s set was just rocking and the storm that came through was like nothing I had experienced before. You could feel it brewing throughout the set as if the band was actually summoning this storm until the sky just opened up and the band just rocked even harder. It was an incredible moment and a phenomenal set by a great band that I will never forget.

Caleb February 4, 2011, 10:57:45

1.Dierks Bentley 2007!
He was playing a relatively mediocre set when Sam Bush and the great Buddy Miller stepped out on stage with him and took over! Dierks stepped back with a smile knowing his place had just been taken. His guitarist, Buddy, and Sam proceeded to put on a clinic in cross-genre jamming! 2. Super Jam 07
JPJ, Ben Harper, and ?uestlove.
need I say more…

Mike February 4, 2011, 11:45:18

1) Black Crowes, 2005: The reunited Crowes sound like the old crowes of the mid 90’s, ready to rock and jam. Also, this was a time when Bonnaroo was starting to go mainstream. Crowes kept it real.

bonez February 4, 2011, 12:49:45

its wsp w/ dottie peoples, tall boy – testify
hair raising stuff

Wesley February 5, 2011, 13:34:35

Some song highlights (in no particular order), if Bonnaroo wants to compile these soundboards and send them to me I wouldn’t protest – (1) MMJ – When You Wish Upon A Star > Wordless Chorus (2006)
(2) GRAB w/ Phil Lesh – Goin’ Down the Road Feelin’ Bad (2006)
(3) Phish – Highway To Hell (2009)
(4) moe. – Buster > Plane Crash > Buster > Plane Crash & Opium > Wormwood (w/ Warren Haynes)
(5) Radiohead – There There (2006)
(6) STS9 – Open E > Grow > GLOgli > Move My Peeps (2005)
(7) Manu Chao (entire set)
(8) NIN – Wish (w/ Dillinger) (2009)
(9) Metallica – Ecstasy of Gold (2008)
(10) P Groove – Three Weeks/Bulls on Parade (2005)
(11) MMJ – One Big Holiday (w/ Kirk Hammett) (2008)
(12) Widespread Panic – Maggot Brain (2005)
(13) Jay-Z (2010) – 99 Problems many more i can’t recall

J. T. February 11, 2011, 08:40:53

1. Most memorable for me has to be 02 Galactic with the houseman. Great Show
2. 03 Super Jam – Dr John, Mike Gordan Luther, Dickenson, Stanton Moore
3. 02 Super Jam String Cheese Mash Up
4. Late night Keller Williams Incident 02
5. 02 Panic with Dottie Peoples
6. 04 Super Jam George Porter, Stanton Moore, and Eric Krasno on the same stage?
7. 03 Soulive
8. 03 Particle Played til like 9:30 am
9. Herbie Hancock and John Mayer AKA the John Mayer show…. I thought he was a tool before that show and had no idea what kind of talent the guy had.
10. Dave and Friends 04
12. 05 Sector 9
13. 05 Primus
14. 09 Phish- Shows were average but just the sight of seeing Trey and Bruce the Boss throwing it down like only 2 Jersey Boys can.

Brad Zeiler February 16, 2011, 10:24:45

Neil Young & Crazy Horse, 2003. Period.

TC February 16, 2011, 10:25:49

Particle 2003- late night. Mind blowing. Was a different bonnaroo then. Not for better or not for worse, but an absolute throw down that night with that new and mysterious vibe of not knowing what to expect around every corner. That goes for the show and the weekend. There was zero spectacle in the acts performing, just 100 % pure heart and soul into every minute of music.

zbarre February 16, 2011, 10:26:55

PHISH- 2009 (first night)
David Byrne- 2009
moe.- 2009 (late night)
Wilco- 2009
Allman Brothers Band- 2005
Dave Matthews Band- 2005

Dana Katzenmeyer February 16, 2011, 10:31:58

Neil Young and Crazy Horse
WSP with Mikey
MMJ in the thunderstorm
Steve Winwood in the same storm

greg February 16, 2011, 10:38:14

first year super jam robert randolph, dj logic and the mccourys edgar meyer / bela fleck in the rain…beautiful

Kate February 16, 2011, 10:38:44

2002 – Keller Williams Incident – the perfect combo and amazing sets! 2004 – David Byrne – this was a dream come true!

Palooza Jam February 16, 2011, 10:42:45

Well I only went in 2008 (but I plan on going again this yr) and being in the pit for Pearl Jam after waiting 6+ hrs was prolly one of the greatest concert experiences imaginable. I went to the festival w strangers that have become good friends and I waited for pj alone while they attended comedy tent but met cool ppl in line. It was my 7th show at the time (16 now) and the incredible setlist, sing-a-longs, the energy from 70,000 ppl, and ed’s commentary was truly special. Peace, Love, & PJ

Gregory February 16, 2011, 11:00:26

Robert Randolph on Sunday at noon, first Bonnaroo.

Julie D. February 16, 2011, 11:01:31

I went with T.C. to that particle show. Longest late night running show of over 5 hours of pure musical joy and madness. It was quite the experience, it was the 2nd year of Bonnaroo and my first time there and I loved every minute. Flaming Lips in the rain, Liz Phair in the hot hot sun, Jurassic 5 in the afternoon, and Robert Randolph in a red suit….and as TC speaks of in his comment, the Particle show that blew my mind. It was one of the best musical experiences of my life, and I still talk about it to this day when the word Bonnaroo enters the room. It was a different festival back then, and I am so happy I went.

Dan C February 16, 2011, 11:08:29

Radiohead 2006
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm65a1EI3jo Robert Plant and Alison Krauss 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4DNRSz1kTA Phish and the Boss 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk6ikRcpML4 Mars Volta 2005
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQn5njV4PQs Widespread Panic with Herbie Hancock 2005
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suB_sPD9F10

Eric February 16, 2011, 11:11:22

Warren Haynes with Vusi Mahlasela doing Soulshine (Bonnaroo 2005) Galactic in 2002 doing Spinal Tap’s Big Bottom with Les Claypool.

FJGIV February 16, 2011, 11:13:10

I attended the first 5 roo’s and there were many
great moments. The single most magical musical performance that always comes to the forefront of my experience was when Widespread Panic featured Dottie Peoples and the Peoples Choice Band. The cohesive energy created by the collision of the two bands styles encouraged the epitomy of Bonnaroo. It really was as if the Holy Ghost of that Manchester farm was summoned that night. People seemed possessed, either still in awe or dancing uncontrollably.

Eric February 16, 2011, 11:17:50

Has to be the acoustic warren Haynes set from ’04. One of the best performances he ever did solo.

Jim - Charlotte, NC February 16, 2011, 11:18:09

1 (tie) – Radiohead 2006 – life changing experience.
1 (tie) – Pearl Jam 2008 – Eddie was truly moved by vibes and atmosphere.
3 – Galactic & Guests 2007 – Incredible late night dance party!!!
4 – Rodrigo y Gabriela 2007 – Thursday night, Wish you were here…AMAZING and moving way to end the 1st night.
5. White Stripes 2007 – WOW HM – Yeah Yeah Yeahs (2009), The Decemberists (2009), Flaming Lips doing Darkside (2010), Deadmau5 (2010), My Morning Jacket (2008)

simon February 16, 2011, 11:24:33

moe. the 4hr set the first year…......

Aimeee February 16, 2011, 11:31:22

2002, walking past SCI while they are playing Texas to get to a tent where the Disco Biscuits are playing and just loving every minute, then I snuck away every now and then to see Jack Johnson playing! So awesome seeing all this music, but hard to pick and choose which performance to see. Also running back and forth from Galactic to Moe in the late night tents. But my favorite was WSP with Dottie Peoples….Tall Boy just blew me away!

Clayton Halsey February 16, 2011, 12:08:22

I know there are many haters out there, but I have been to many ‘Roos and ne of the most outstanding sets was Umphrey’s McGee late night in 2004… The energy the crowd exuded, even at 6 am, was seond to none.

chairmansb February 16, 2011, 12:43:29

moe. latenight ’02
bucket of bernie brains ’02

Heather Bobbitt February 16, 2011, 12:58:39

WSP/mikey/dottie peoples 2002
Del McCoury 2002

Jim Morrison February 16, 2011, 13:54:43

Had to be My Morning Jacket in 2004. This was an incredible symphony of music and nature. Jim James led the band in challenging the storm and the two collided beautifully. This was an incredible climax and you could feel the energy in the crowd. Honorable mention to the Umphrey’s morph to moe. morph back late night that year as well. So many great performances and I only attended 2003 and 2004!

Jethro Whitefish February 16, 2011, 16:38:17

Flaming Lips ’07 – one of the greatest live performances I’ve ever got to see. Radiohead and MMJ the year before were both amazing too.

Craig Jones February 16, 2011, 16:47:29

Flaming Lips 2003!

Erik February 16, 2011, 17:02:39

I was lucky enough to attend the first four festivals and each one was fantastic. The WSP performance from the second night was easily the highest peak of all though. Watching Houser play at that level, under those circumstances was something I will never forget. The entire set was euphoric and it was the closest thing i have ever felt to a religious experience.

gary February 16, 2011, 17:53:31

Neil Young and Crazy Horse. 2003. I flew from AZ. for that show. I got the sense that the crowd was not familiar with Neil and Crazy Horse, but after the first song, in which he jammed for close to 15 minutes, they were in his hand.

Rich February 16, 2011, 19:04:30

Karl Denson late night ’02
Mofro ’02
Hackensaw Boys ’03

Jeremy February 16, 2011, 19:11:31

Umphrey’s McGee, 2002
Calexico, 2004
Damien Rice, 2004
Umphrey’s McGee, 2004
Radiohead, 2006
Pearl Jam, 2008

Mike February 16, 2011, 19:19:53

moe. late night ’02
They set the standard. 4+ hours, guests, epic show.

Randy February 16, 2011, 22:10:23

Hard to narrow down seeing that I’ve been to all 9. In no particular order. Flaming Lips,2010 doing Darkside. Awesome vibe, celebration, just incredible. Phish, 2009, Beastie Boys 2008, Kanye (HA, HA), Phil Lesh w/ Jackie Greene, I could go on and on. WSP, the first 5 years, Warren…..

kj February 16, 2011, 20:52:18

Moe. year 1.

Wanda Kucera February 16, 2011, 22:59:31

I have come for the past 6 yrs & am sorry I missed the 4 prior. I’ve SO many favorites from all those years. I guess (although hard to decide) was Tom Petty playing a great concert…then introducing his “little sister”, Stevie Nicks. I was so very happy and loved that one most!

Bdawg February 17, 2011, 14:46:35

I’ve been to 3 Bonnaroos, but all my faves are from 2004. David Byrne in 2004 was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen, period! Late-night Primus in 2004 went to 4am, total madness. Bill Laswell’s Material with the tornadic-yellow sky was one of the craziest experiences, ever.

geo February 19, 2011, 11:02:54

bonnaroo ’02, the original, was the best! steve winwood & panic on glad>loWSPark was outta control!! old crow was awesome too. haven’t heard of them till this show. lifelong fan now! col claypools bucket was mind blowing! jack johnson was good n mellow. not a big sci fan but the show was gr8! 2005 of course panic but peter rowan was phenomenal! gotta say the guy in the diper with a horse tail hangin out of it at the rat dog show was the most memorial bonnaroo fan!!!!

MVP February 22, 2011, 14:54:24

WSP 2002 tallboy/testify. possibly the best fifteen minutes of my life

scott longstreet February 27, 2011, 14:50:26

I agree, Neil Young and Crazy Horse 2003

Soren March 2, 2011, 14:35:49

First Bonnaroo was special because it was so new. The moe. late night was amazing, the Meat with Robert Randolph was on fire.

Evan Reeves March 4, 2011, 01:17:49

Greatest moment by far was 2004 after a VERY wet set by Steve Winwood, we didn’t know if the rain would ever stop, and if the Dead would ever play. Then after what seemed like an eternity, the rain finally trailed off, the clouds parted, the moon came out, and we heard the first cords of Tennessee Jed, and all was right again with the world!

Carl March 9, 2011, 00:41:52

In 2002 rumors were flying on Panic tour. Phish was nowhere to be seen and it seemed like the only band out there really doing it was Widespread Panic. By the time the lineup for the first Bonnaroo was announced, the awful rumors were confirmed.We were gonna lose Mikey, and quite possibly Widespread Panic was going to disappear as well. What would the tour kids do? Well, we went to Bonnaroo and we went to church. When the choir came out with Panic, everyone on hand was either dancing or playing for their life, trying to “Summon the holy ghost from the battlefield” and “Testify” what this life means to all of us. The end could happen anytime. The prayer and the sacrifice put forth that day was enought to keep Panic together, get us all together every year on that same battlefield in Tennessee, and maybe it even helped answer our prayers that Phish would pick up the torch again as well. Maybe it wasn’t all that, but there was certainly a holy ghost being summoned that day dancing every year at the main stage. I can still see Mikey smiling off to the side.