Kanye's
2008 Bonnaroo performance was a complete disaster. He didn't go on stage until 4:45 am even after forcing other artists to cut their acts short. Then he went on to perform what
Rolling Stone has described as an "underwhelming set." Nine days later, the G.O.O.D Music leader took to his
blog to attack the people behind the event calling them "fuckin idiots."
All this appears to be completely in the past now as Kanye will be back in Manchester, Tennessee this June to perform at this year's
Bonnaroo festival.
In an interview with
Relix. Bonnaroo promoter, Rick Farman of
Superfly, explained the decision to invite Kanye back.
"First and foremost, we think Kanye is one of the most prolific and groundbreaking artists of this generation. He’s hugely influential. His albums are as great and as acclaimed as they get. He’s also a great live performer. He takes a lot of chances and he’s adventurous with the live space. All those things are what Bonnaroo performers are about. That’s why we booked him [in 2008].
Everyone has moved on—it’s in the past. We’re happy he wants to come back to Bonnaroo and is embracing this. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to look forward, and we think it’s a great opportunity for the Bonnaroo community to show what it’s made of. It goes back to what Bonnaroo stands for: It’s about having good time, radiating positivity and that whole message. We couldn’t be more excited about what we think has the potential to be another historic Bonnaroo moment."
West will headline Bonnaroo along with Elton John, Jack White, Lionel Richie, and Vampire Weekend. Other performers include Ms. Lauryn Hill, Frank Ocean, Danny Brown, Neutral Milk Hotel, Skrillex, Bobby Womack, and many more.
Bonnaroo will take place June 12 through 15.
