Bonnaroo Co-Founders Talk Offering Prince, Grateful Dead and More in Reddit AMA

Rob Slater on March 5, 2015

Last night, Bonnaroo co-founders Jonathan Mayers and Kerry Black held their annual Reddit AMA to dish on all things Bonnaroo. Aside from the “will ______ be added to the lineup” softballs, Mayers and Black did dig into several interesting topics, most notably the rumored $3 million offer to reunite the Dead for their 50th anniversary. Mayers and Black also discussed what might be in store for the SuperJam and other festival additions.

A few important notes:

  • There WILL be video screens outside This, That & Other tents this year. “Sorry it took so long to implement,” Mayers said.
  • Mayers confirmed that they did in fact invite the Grateful Dead to headline this year’s festival, but ultimately the band decided on Chicago. “Bummed it’s not happening on the Farm, but excited for all who’ll be in Chicago. And psyched for our friend Pete Shapiro for pulling it together,” he said. Mayers also said the festival made an offer to Prince, which was ultimately declined.
  • When does Jack White get to host a SuperJam? “Whenever Jack is ready,” Black said. “We have discussed before of course and hope it will happen one day.”
  • How about a New Basement Tapes SuperJam? Black: “Anything’s possible at this point. Would you rather see new Basement Tapes or the old Basement Tapes?”
  • Mayers said the festival is done announcing headliners for 2015 but will add more artists, comedians and attractions in the near future.
  • As for Kanye West’s controversial headlining set last year, Mayers wasn’t a fan. “Uhm, how do I answer this without getting in trouble?”
  • Mayers and Black are already hard at work on the lineup for 2016, which will be their 15th anniversary.