All Bonnaroo Saga posts: tag/Bonnaroo 07
From The Flaming Lips I went over to see Gov’t Mule wrapping up their set. I caught the last couple songs, but I could no longer stand. I sat down on the ground right there. I guy in a giant pumpkin head passed by me, dancing to Mule. I couldn’t even stand when the crowd cheered for an encore, but I did stand once I heard them start to play. They were playing War Pigs, the second time I’d heard it that night. Maybe they heard the Lip’s “soundcheck” which is pretty possible, since no one else was playing at that time. Or maybe the subject matter of that song perfectly reflects what so many people, including the artists, are thinking right now. Mule delivered an incredible version that I would prefer to the original. They might have played another song after that, but I don’t know. I sat down after War Pigs and just listened to Mule jam.
An unknown amount of time later they wrapped up. I got up and started to head towards the exit of Centeroo, but on the way I passed The Other Tent (close to the entrance/exit and consistently had good bands). Sasha and Digweed were well into their set. I’d never heard them before, but they have really high energy dance music. Behind them on stage was a rainbow of flashing neon lights. I hadn’t expected to come upon a rave at 4am, but here it was. I stayed for a short short while, but left as exhaustion kicked in. The people in The Other Tent were dancing their asses off, and I just couldn’t do it. I would have loved to, but that day had killed me. I was already going on 16 hours on my feet and dancing, and I just couldn’t do any more. I heard the next day that they went well into the morning, finishing at 8am. I’m not sure if that’s true, but I’ll believe it. Next time I go to Bonnaroo, I’m bringing more Dew.
I floated back to my tent. My body was only sort of working, and my brain definitely wasn’t. What I remember is that as I left, there were still people coming in. Hardcore. Everyone at my campsite had long since passed out, and having nothing to distract me, I crashed hard. It was probably around 4:30.