by Terry Briley | Jun 1, 2012 | Opinion
My first exposure to Bonnaroo didn’t exactly draw me to the event. The organizers in the early years were still trying to get their act together, and it was a major ordeal just getting to the property. My older son attended a couple of times in the early years. The fact that he came back grungy and smelly and sunburned didn’t help. The music, on the other hand, carried a strong appeal. I attended my share of concerts “back in the day.” Three of the more memorable ones to me were The Rolling Stones and Alice Cooper (twice!). A ZZ Top concert also stands out because one of the lead acts that night was a promising new band with the odd name Lynyrd Skynyrd. I decided to attend Bonnaroo the first time in 2004 when my younger son, then 17, wanted to go. He actually consented to go with me, perhaps because it was the only way he was going to get there at that age. As we stocked up on camping gear, our inexperience revealed itself in several ways. For example, we learned that the label “two-person tent” means that two grown people can technically fit into it. Let’s just say the tent provided a cozy bonding experience. In spite of the tight sleeping quarters, we had a great time. I enjoyed the overall experience so much that 2004 began a streak of four straight Bonnaroos for me. I haven’t been able to get back the past few years due to a variety of conflicts. On Bonnaroo weekend this year, for example, I am speaking at a conference,...
