Short version: after last year’s brutal storms at Bonnaroo, the community is split between folks who think canceling the fest was the only safe move and those who would’ve happily stuck around and embraced the mud. A recent Reddit thread on r/bonnaroo revisited the debate — nostalgia for the legendary 2004 “mudaroo” rubbed up against real concerns about access, safety, and long-term damage to the farm.
What fans said
– Plenty of people understand why Bonnaroo canceled — safety was the deciding factor. Comments pointed to inaccessible ADA campsites, medical emergencies that couldn’t be reached by vehicles, and the risk of serious injuries or worse if the grounds turned into a hazardous soup.
– Still, a sizable group said they personally would have stayed. For them, rain + mud = festival magic: mosh pits turned mud pits, stories for life (Primus’ “My Name Is Mud” at the 2004 mudaroo came up a lot), and the kind of messy memories older Roo vets swear by.
– Practical concerns were also raised: thousands of cars getting stuck, trench foot and ruined gear, and permanently damaged grounds. Some attendees said the security and backlot conditions during the storm made continuing impossible.
Why the cancel made sense
Organizers had to weigh thousands of attendees’ safety and the farm’s long-term viability against a smaller group’s desire to keep shows going. Unlike Glastonbury and some European festivals that routinely carry on through wet weather, Bonnaroo’s infrastructure (and liability environment under Live Nation ownership) makes those decisions more fraught.
A few memorable takes
– “Better to disappoint thousands than risk a life-threatening emergency being inaccessible.” That line summed up many people’s support for the cancellation.
– Others admitted they’d have stayed purely for the story — becoming “Mud Person” is apparently a life goal for some.
If you’re the type to embrace the mud: quick survival tips
– Waterproof your shoes and pack spares — trash bags and duct tape can work in a pinch.
– Bring tarps and a small roll of cord to elevate gear and keep it off the ground.
– Keep ADA/medical access routes in mind when choosing a campsite; help others if you can.
– Don’t drive unless you can get out — thousands of stuck cars become a huge logistical problem.
Verdict
On balance, the community agrees the cancel was the right call given the conditions and risks. That said, the debate highlights two things: 1) festival culture still has a soft spot for glorified mud chaos (hello, 2004), and 2) organizers should keep improving infrastructure, emergency access, and communication so fans can still get the shows they want when conditions allow.
Tell us: in a totally hypothetical, liability-free bubble — would you have stayed for the mud or packed up and left? Drop your take in the comments.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/bonnaroo/comments/1qlwucm/bonnaroo_rain_or_shine/