Bonnaroo 2009 Lineup Announced

For those still smarting from news that Bruce Springsteen probably won't be including Salt Lake in his upcoming U.S. tour, take heart. True diehards go the extra mile (or several thousand) to realize their dream of seeing him live. And after that killer Superbowl half-time show, can you really blame them? City Weekly dining critic Ted Scheffler is such a big fan, he bought tickets this week to catch the Boss in Denver. Maybe he'll consider tacking on a trip to Manchester, Tennessee for Bonnaroo, an outdoor music festival long associated with jam bands and hippies. In recent years, the event has expanded its scope, inviting such groups as The Flaming Lips and Gogol Bordello. Organizers released the 2009 lineup today and its similarly eclectic. Featured artists include:

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND, PHISH, THE BEASTIE BOYS, NINE INCH NAILS, TV ON THE RADIO, WILCO, AL GREEN, DAVID BYRNE, SNOOP DOGG, MERLE HAGGARD, ERYKAH BADU, MGMT, BON IVER, THE DECEMBERISTS, LUCINDA WILLIAMS AND MORE

Tickets go on sale this Saturday, Feb. 7

(Jamie Gadette)

A Plea to Bruce Springsteen

[Utah Needs The Boss] 

Dear Bruce Springsteen: 

I see that you're firing up a new concert tour with the E Street Band this spring. Please, please, PLEASE come to Utah. I know you're probably still a bit miffed about failing to sell out the Delta Center back in May of 2000. I'm still embarrassed about that myself. It made us look like wusses. But despite being the reddest state in the Promised Land, we're not bad people. Really.

We have fry sauce. And not all of us have multiple wives. Some of us know black people. And gays. And the lyrics to "Rosalita."

As you, Boss, have pointed out yourself, with Barack Obama as our President, it's a whole new freakin' world. So let's wipe the slate clean and just forget about that little hiccup back in '00. I notice you're planning to play in Denver. Colorado's not so great either, FYI. Just ask the workers at Coors. I have to admit that Red Rocks is a pretty cool place. But we've got Energy Solutions ... oh, never mind. 

Utah has changed some since you were last here. In fact, by spring you might just be able to walk into a bar here and order a Long Island Ice Tea without being hassled by the State's alcohol gestapo. I know it sounds far-fetched, but it's POSSIBLE. And that's what your music is all about, right? POSSIBILITIES. 

It's not just about me. Think of my son. He's 9 years old now and still has never been to a Bruce Springsteen show. And let's face it: You're not getting any younger, dude. 

So just tell me it's possible that you'll think of us as you set out on your spring tour. For what it's worth, I went out and bought the new album yesterday, Working on a Dream. I didn't download a pirate copy. I could have, but I didn't. I'm not saying you owe me or anything... I'm just sayin' ... pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty please? Come see us in Utah. You won't regret it, maybe. 

By the way, did I mention you looked marvelous at the inauguration concert? 

(Ted Scheffler)