With the recent string of consolidation taking place in the United States live event space over the past few years; the list of independent promoters has dwindled to a smaller and smaller number. Bonnaroo has remained one of the largest independent festivals in the United States for the past 14 years - until yesterday when it was announced that Live Nation had taken a "controlling interest" in the festival via a partnership with promoters Superfly and AC Entertainment.
"We are strengthening our commitment to create the best possible experience at Bonnaroo," said Rick Farman, co-founder, Superfly. "Through this partnership with Live Nation, we're even more empowered to enhance the festival while preserving the integrity of the event that we've thoughtfully built over the past 14 years."
Superfly and AC Entertainment will continue to plan and execute the day-to-day operations of the festival according to a press release.
In an interview with Billboard, President of AC Entertainment, Ashley Capps assured fans that the deal was only for Bonnaroo and not for the rest of Superfly or C3's festival properties, which include Outside Lands in San Francisco or Forecastle in Louisville.
"The addition of Bonnaroo builds on Live Nation Entertainment's world leading festival portfolio of over 60 marquee festivals such as: Austin City Limits Music Festival, Lollapalooza, Reading, Leeds, T in the Park, Electric Daisy Carnival, Rock Werchter, and Watershed Music Festival to name a few," Live Nation CEO and president Michael Rapino said in a statement.
The acquisition of Bonnaroo, the largest remaining independent festival up until festival, follows prior acquisitions for C3 Presents, the promoter behind Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits and Insomniac Events, who presents Electric Daisy Carnival.
In addition to purchasing a controlling interest in the festival, Live Nation has also bought a share of the land on which Bonnaroo resides, known as "The Farm."
According to the release, now that Live Nation is on board, "significant investment in the site and enhancements to the festival experience are planned."
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