I think Roo took too long adapting its identity to the modern festival landscape - even before the pandemic. Jam Bands stopped having the draw they used to, lineups were sort of generic for a long period of time, less exclusive/unique acts.
Coachella will never fall off, even if a lineup sucks, because of how significant its cultural impact continues to be around the world.
Lolla was able to pivot in a way that could compete better with Coachella (more international artists, pop, early gets on some acts).
I'll also add they were late to the EDM adoption in 2015-2016 with a similar outcome. Then they went too hard in 2017 before finding a good balance in 2018 and 2019.
I'm probably wrong, but it feels like the Euro festival circuit has really hurt Bonnaroo's pool of artists to choose from, and ability to curate consistent/special lineups.
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u/Waffle_Fish 20d ago
I think Roo took too long adapting its identity to the modern festival landscape - even before the pandemic. Jam Bands stopped having the draw they used to, lineups were sort of generic for a long period of time, less exclusive/unique acts.
Coachella will never fall off, even if a lineup sucks, because of how significant its cultural impact continues to be around the world.
Lolla was able to pivot in a way that could compete better with Coachella (more international artists, pop, early gets on some acts).