Bonnaroo 2026: The Comeback and the Cutbacks

A Bonnaroo love story, fresh Farm updates from Manchester, and a Seattle grunge pilgrimage: all this week in The What Podcast! We preview Shaky Knees Festival 2025 in Atlanta and IBMA bluegrass events in Chattanooga, then detour into PBR beer-cheese soup before diving into the 90s revival with Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails and Oasis all doing big tours. Not to leave out The Farm though, it looks like new earth‑moving and drainage work could mean less flooding Bonnaroo campers next season.Finally, we dive into Bryan's Seattle grunge pilgrimage via Port Townsend, Washington with stops like the Showbox, Pike Place Market, Andrew Wood's (Mother Love Bone, a precursor to Pearl Jam) gravesite, and the Singles apartment, and of course the post office! All of this can be traced back to the magic of Bonnaroo and how it can lead to unexpected connections. Listen to this episode about Bryan Stone's trip to Seattle here or watch it on YouTube. And if you'd like to hear more from Bryan Stone, subscribe to the StoneOnAir Podcast. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:03:09) Upcoming: Shaky Knees and IBMA(00:14:49) Soup (PBR beer-cheese?)(00:16:51) 90s wave: NIN, Oasis, Radiohead(00:18:55) Farm update: earth-moving and drainage(00:21:25) Bryan visits Washington State(00:43:44) Grunge Pilgrimage: Andrew Wood, Singles Apartments(00:57:08) CaveFest in October(00:59:29) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEHow Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet RooSurviving Woodstock '99: Two Attendees Look Back 25 Years LaterHow The Caverns Became Tennessee’s Premier Music DestinationRed Rocks, My Morning Jacket, and Bonnaroo Stories: RooHamm & Roo Bus Catch-Up______ 🎧 LISTEN LINKS Website: https://thewhatpodcast.com Spotify: https://thewhat.co/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://thewhat.co/applepodcasts YouTube Music: https://thewhat.co/youtubemusic Amazon Music: https://thewhat.co/amazonmusic 📱 SOCIAL LINKS Discord: https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewhatpodcast X: https://x.com/thewhat_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhatpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhatpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast Email: [email protected] The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat Other music provided by Midist

Parker Reed from the RooHamm Podcast joins us to catch up and explain why there's been a lull since Bonnaroo, and how their group handled the festival's rainout before becoming optimistic about 2026. We also dive into My Morning Jacket's Red Rocks set and what makes the venue so magical, making it a bucket list stop for MMJ and Bonnaroo fans alike.After the main chat, stick around for a bonus segment as Russ reports from The Other Farm over the holiday weekend before hopping in the creek with Lindsey and Daniel from Storytime at the Roo Bus podcast for a quick field update on TOTEM and a look ahead at fall plans such as CaveFest in October.Catch up with RooHamm and Roo Bus here or watch this episode on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:04:27) Catching up with Parker (RooHamm)(00:07:14) RooHamm origin story(00:13:36) Reliving the Bonnaroo cancellation(00:27:52) Why no new RooHamm episodes(00:31:21) Brad Parker leaving C3(00:34:56) Hinterland notes and fixes(00:40:41) My Morning Jacket at Red Rocks(00:47:58) Changes for Bonnaroo 2026(00:53:14) Russ at The Other Farm(00:55:39) Live from the creek with Lindsey and Daniel (Roo Bus)(01:06:39) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEWhen Bonnaroo Breaks Your Heart: Our Reaction to the 2025 CancellationHow Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet RooBonnaroo Shake-Up: Brad Parker Departs, & Kyle Hollingsworth on New Album, String Cheese, and BeerInside Hinterland: Sam Summers on Festival Challenges and the 90-Degree GuaranteeHow The Caverns Became Tennessee’s Premier Music Destination______ 🎧 LISTEN LINKS Website: https://thewhatpodcast.com Spotify: https://thewhat.co/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://thewhat.co/applepodcasts YouTube Music: https://thewhat.co/youtubemusic Amazon Music: https://thewhat.co/amazonmusic 📱 SOCIAL LINKS Discord: https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewhatpodcast X: https://x.com/thewhat_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhatpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhatpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast Email: [email protected] The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat Other music provided by Midist

Bonnaroo 2025 is behind us, so what’s next? On this week's The What Podcast, we do some porch sittin' and look ahead to more festivals still to come in 2025, including Shaky Knees, World of Bluegrass, and CaveFest. We dive deep into the legacy of Devo, one of our most-anticipated acts of Shaky Knees this year, and explore the surprising event that sparked the band's creation.Plus, we preview World of Bluegrass and the big guests heading to Chattanooga next month. And finally, we’re looking forward to CaveFest at The Caverns in Tennessee, our second favorite place in the world. What festivals are you most excited about as we wrap up 2025? Let us know in the comments!Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00) Intro(03:36) Devo documentary(11:39) Shaky Knees preview(18:26) World of Bluegrass preview(21:43) CaveFest preview(22:04) Bonnaroo news(25:23) Bryan in Washington state(27:30) Weird Al(31:04) More Devo documentary(34:04) Back in the studio(36:13) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEThe Backseat Lovers on Growing into a Festival Band, Technical Difficulties and AllBonnaroo 2024 Recap Part 2 with MichiganderBonnaroo's Survey Questions and hey, nothing's Big SummerWet Leg: Tiny Desk ConcertWorld of Bluegrass comes to Chattanooga and the Latest Bonnaroo 2025 NewsHow The Caverns Became Tennessee’s Premier Music DestinationBonnaroo Shake-Up: Brad Parker Departs, & Kyle Hollingsworth on New Album, String Cheese, and Beer______ 🎧 LISTEN LINKS Website: https://thewhatpodcast.com Spotify: https://thewhat.co/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://thewhat.co/applepodcasts YouTube Music: https://thewhat.co/youtubemusic Amazon Music: https://thewhat.co/amazonmusic 📱 SOCIAL LINKS Discord: https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewhatpodcast X: https://x.com/thewhat_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhatpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhatpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast Email: [email protected] The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat Other music provided by Midist

Bonnaroo is facing a big change: Festival Director Brad Parker is leaving C3 Presents and saying goodbye to the Bonnaroo family. In this episode, we talk about what Brad's departure could mean for the future of The Farm, and look ahead to what’s next for Bonnaroo. It's a special "breaking news" edition of The What Podcast.Next, we sit down with Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident for an in-depth conversation about his brand-new solo album All We Are, the evolution of String Cheese's sound, and his long-running passion for brewing craft beer. Kyle shares festival memories, songwriting insights, and the surprising connection between making music and making beer. If you love Bonnaroo, jam bands, and craft beer, you won't want to miss this interview!Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:23) Brad Parker leaving C3(00:11:53) Flooding in Chattanooga(00:17:18) Interview with Kyle HollingsworthLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEMoon River with Drew Holcomb and AC EntertainmentBonnaroo 2026: Brad & Cory from C3 Answer Your QuestionsBonnaroo, Cruise Festivals, and More with Sixthman VP Jeff Cuellar______ 🎧 LISTEN LINKS Website: https://thewhatpodcast.com Spotify: https://thewhat.co/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://thewhat.co/applepodcasts YouTube Music: https://thewhat.co/youtubemusic Amazon Music: https://thewhat.co/amazonmusic 📱 SOCIAL LINKS Discord: https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewhatpodcast X: https://x.com/thewhat_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhatpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhatpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast Email: [email protected] The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat Other music provided by Midist

Despite Bonnaroo's cancellation this year, fans persevere and call in to share what makes the festival so special: freedom, life-changing connections, and more. But first, The What Podcast crew celebrates a big milestone. Thank you for 2,000 YouTube subscribers! Fresh off last week's in-depth interview with Brad Parker and Cory Smith about Bonnaroo 2026 plans, we dive into the heartfelt listener voicemails, reflect on the 2025 shutdown aftermath, talk transparency, programming changes, and more. Want to share your own thoughts with us? Call our voicemail line at (423) 667-7877.We also head into the off-season by spotlighting a few recent trips to The Caverns for a last-minute Drive-By Truckers show, and a visit to Dave's Little Magic Bar in Johnson City. Stay subscribed to The What Podcast for an upcoming interview with Kyle Hollingsworth from String Cheese Incident and some upcoming fall festivals we're covering, too!Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:41) YouTube milestone(00:06:36) Recapping last week's show(00:34:53) Russ' bus trip(00:41:30) Bryan at The Caverns(00:44:58) Hinterland Update(00:46:39) Listener Voicemails(01:06:56) Previewing next week's show(01:08:32) Rock is dead, part 2(01:15:45) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEBonnaroo 2026: Brad & Cory from C3 Answer Your QuestionsThe Real Roo Bus Joins The What PodcastThe Bonnaroo Yearbook: Capturing Festival MemoriesHow The Caverns Became Tennessee’s Premier Music DestinationBonnaroo Community Spotlight: How Church Boners Became a Festival FamilyInside Hinterland: Sam Summers on Festival Challenges and the 90-Degree GuaranteeHow Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet RooIs Rock Dead? The Bonnaroo Music Census and Remembering Ozzy Osbourne______ 🎧 LISTEN LINKS Website: https://thewhatpodcast.com Spotify: https://thewhat.co/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://thewhat.co/applepodcasts YouTube Music: https://thewhat.co/youtubemusic Amazon Music: https://thewhat.co/amazonmusic 📱 SOCIAL LINKS Discord: https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewhatpodcast X: https://x.com/thewhat_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhatpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhatpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast Email: [email protected] The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat Other music provided by Midist

After the unprecedented cancellation of Bonnaroo 2025, fans have had big questions about the future of the festival and in this episode, we get real answers straight from C3 Presents, the team that puts on the festival. Brad Parker, Festival Director and Cory Smith, Marketing Manager join us today for an in-depth look at the changes to Thursday programming, the removal of Tuesday entry, campground changes, stage updates, and more.Many thanks to our Discord members for submitting questions for Brad and Cory! Fan feedback definitely plays a role in shaping the future of Bonnaroo, and we are very fortunate for Brad and Cory to sit down with us and answer all these questions and more. Join our server at: https://thewhat.co/discordListen to this episode with Brad and Cory here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:54) Recapping 2025's cancellation(00:22:10) Thursday welcome party(00:27:43) Removal of Tuesday entry(00:34:36) How many less tickets will be sold(00:35:09) The Infinity Stage(00:38:25) Kalliope, Outeroo, and the Who Stage(00:44:51) 2025 artists returning for 2026(00:46:17) Missed performances this year(00:49:12) Roo Residency and jam bands(00:52:49) Lineup, ticket sales, and pricing(00:55:33) Vibe check(01:01:39) Changes to camping and 1-day ticket sales(01:03:36) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEJoin the Discord!When Bonnaroo Breaks Your Heart: Our Reaction to the 2025 CancellationBonnaroo Community Spotlight: How Church Boners Became a Festival FamilyBonnaroo Lineup Behind the Scenes - Interview With AC EntertainmentHow Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet RooThumbnail photo by: Evan Brown______ 🎧 LISTEN LINKS Website: https://thewhatpodcast.com Spotify: https://thewhat.co/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://thewhat.co/applepodcasts YouTube Music: https://thewhat.co/youtubemusic Amazon Music: https://thewhat.co/amazonmusic 📱 SOCIAL LINKS Discord: https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewhatpodcast X: https://x.com/thewhat_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhatpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhatpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast Email: [email protected] The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat Other music provided by Midist

Bonnaroo released their annual Music Census last week, and Barry and Bryan dive into it and what it means for the changing festival landscape. Is rock music being pushed to the sidelines, or is it adapting with the times? We look at how fan preferences have changed and continue to shape what Bonnaroo looks and sounds like.We also take time to remember the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, whose influence on rock and metal continues to be felt. With rock's presence fading from the festival landscape, Ozzy’s legacy hits harder than ever.Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:15) The Bonnaroo Music Census(00:16:02) Last week's Bonnaroo announcement(00:24:02) Back to the Music Census(00:38:19) Oasis vs. The Beatles revisited(00:52:50) Remembering Ozzy(01:01:45) Lineup thoughts(01:04:04) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEHow Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet RooBonnaroo 2026: The Comeback and the CutbacksOasis vs. The Beatles: the debate continues…Mama I'm Coming Home______ 🎧 LISTEN LINKS Website: https://thewhatpodcast.com Spotify: https://thewhat.co/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://thewhat.co/applepodcasts YouTube Music: https://thewhat.co/youtubemusic Amazon Music: https://thewhat.co/amazonmusic 📱 SOCIAL LINKS Discord: https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewhatpodcast X: https://x.com/thewhat_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhatpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhatpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast Email: [email protected] The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat Other music provided by Midist

Bonnaroo is officially coming back in 2026, but not without some major changes. From losing Tuesday arrival and Thursday programming to scaled-back campgrounds and the end of "Where in the Woods" as we know it, Barry, Bryan, and Lord Taco break down the official announcement and what it really means.Is this a "shrinkflation Bonnaroo" or are things just returning back to the way they were? Plus with some other things in the news recently, we get into a deep discussion about how infrastructure, weather, and politics are all shaping the future of The Farm. Finally, Barry shares the one thing that scares him about Bonnaroo's future more than anything else.Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!Thumbnail photo by: Evan Brown______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:19) History of The What Podcast(00:11:32) Glastonbury video(00:14:31) Bonnaroo's announcement(00:42:48) Land disputes in Manchester(00:51:17) Coldplay kiss cam incident(00:54:33) Tomorrowland stage burns down(00:56:34) The risk of outdoor events(01:00:04) Shaky Knees schedule(01:04:24) Bus trip(01:06:01) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEThe Logistics of Music FestivalsThe Bonnaroo 2025 Bandana Debate: What Fans Are SayingHow Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet RooSurviving Woodstock '99: Two Attendees Look Back 25 Years LaterWet Leg: Tiny Desk ConcertHigh Country Bus Festival 2023 - VW Camping on the River______ 🎧 LISTEN LINKS Website: https://thewhatpodcast.com Spotify: https://thewhat.co/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://thewhat.co/applepodcasts YouTube Music: https://thewhat.co/youtubemusic Amazon Music: https://thewhat.co/amazonmusic 📱 SOCIAL LINKS Discord: https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewhatpodcast X: https://x.com/thewhat_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhatpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhatpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast Email: [email protected] The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat Other music provided by Midist

Bonnaroo 2026 is happening and we've got the first real confirmation. In this episode of The What Podcast, Barry, Bryan, and Lord Taco take a look at the (as of now) unofficially official dates (June 11-14), the subtle ways the news dropped, and why this feels like the first truly optimistic Bonnaroo moment since the cancellation in 2025.Then we head to Common John Brewery, just outside the festival grounds in Manchester, where we sit down with the team behind this year's King Gizzard-inspired hazy IPA, "Nuclear Fusion". We talk about the brewery's roots in the Bonnaroo community, the Camp Reddaroo collaboration, and what it takes to create a beer that's become integral to the Bonnaroo experience.Plus: A recap of Russ' last two weekends of travel, including a July 4th trip to "The Other Farm" and a campout on the side of a mountain with airplanes, fireworks, and rock concerts in the woods. And finally, Bryan and Barry dive into a spirited debate: Does Oasis deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the Beatles? One of them says absolutely not.Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!Thumbnail photo by: Evan Brown______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:26) Bonnaroo's dates for 2026(00:07:21) Bryan's merch issues(00:11:00) Camping trips from the last 2 weeks(00:22:47) Oasis vs. The Beatles(00:34:12) Setting up this week's interviews(00:39:20) Interview with Bull at Common John(01:03:25) Interview with LeBron and Derek at Common John(01:12:35) Outro______ 🎧 LISTEN LINKS Website: https://thewhatpodcast.com Spotify: https://thewhat.co/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://thewhat.co/applepodcasts YouTube Music: https://thewhat.co/youtubemusic Amazon Music: https://thewhat.co/amazonmusic 📱 SOCIAL LINKS Discord: https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewhatpodcast X: https://x.com/thewhat_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhatpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhatpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast Email: [email protected] The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat Other music provided by Midist

In this special live episode of The What Podcast from Bonnaroo 2025 at Planet Roo, hosts Barry, Bryan, and Lord Taco moderate an insightful panel celebrating the festival's cultural, civic, and economic impact on Manchester, Tennessee, and the broader region. Guests include Priscilla Norman, Rebecca French ("Miss Bonnaroo"), Festival Director Brad Parker of C3 Presents, and Ryan French from the City of Manchester. Together, they share personal stories of their Bonnaroo beginnings, reflect on the festival's evolution since 2002, and underscore its transformation into a generational rite of passage that fuses community spirit with musical magic.The conversation highlights how Bonnaroo has become a year-round civic partner - investing millions into local schools, infrastructure, and nonprofit organizations through the Bonnaroo Works Fund. Stories range from prankish memories of sneaking into early fests to tales of locals opening swimming pools to traffic-trapped fans. They also address complex dynamics like city annexation and festival logistics while honoring the late co-founder Jonathan Mayers and unveiling new initiatives like the Infinity Stage and enhanced charitable integration. The panel closes with reflections on Bonnaroo's irreplaceable role as a beacon of positivity, unity, and transformation in both local and global festival culture.Got something to say about Bonnaroo? Call our voicemail line at (423) 667-7877 and tell us what Bonnaroo means to you. We just might feature your message on a future episode!Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!Photo by: David Bruce______ 🎧 LISTEN LINKS Website: https://thewhatpodcast.com Spotify: https://thewhat.co/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://thewhat.co/applepodcasts YouTube Music: https://thewhat.co/youtubemusic Amazon Music: https://thewhat.co/amazonmusic 📱 SOCIAL LINKS Discord: https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewhatpodcast X: https://x.com/thewhat_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhatpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhatpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast Email: [email protected] The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat Other music provided by Midist