Bonnaroo announced their 2019 lineup today, and by all accounts, it is a pretty comprehensive display of modern festival music. They have some solid electronic acts, rap and hip-hop, some decent rock and of course – jam bands.
It's that last genre that caused quite the stir today for on Twitter user who was not familiar with the band Phish. Now, for those not indoctrinated in the jam band scene, Phish is easily one of the most iconic touring groups of the last 20 years. They have sold out some of the largest and most iconic venues in the country, and have a fan base willing to follow them to the ends of the earth.
Of course, Phish is not necessarily well known in the mainstream, especially for those who only got into the festival scene in the last five years or so. When Twitter user @gh0stgrls decided to question why the band deserves 3 sets – she was in for a world of angry wookery.
don’t attack me but who tf is phish and why does he have 3 different sets. why is the grand ole opry headlining. i thought that was a building
— lil nug (@GH0STGRLS) January 8, 2019
Even though she asked to not be attacked – she was almost immediately attacked on all sides.
In all seriousness they are one of the most innovative complex and creative rock and roll bands of the last 30 years, boasting long expansive improvisational jams earning them a spot in the "Jam band" category. They are the biggest act at the fest by a mile…
— chris sullivan (@Sully_C101) January 8, 2019
Bonnaroo probably would never have existed if it weren’t for #phish and their influence on modern day music festivals
— Colonel Forbin (@ColonelForbin4) January 8, 2019
lord. as we say in the south. bless her.
— ☠️ (@this_is_Bones) January 8, 2019
Stop listening to Bassnectar and start listening to real musicians
— Fitz (@Fitzburg) January 8, 2019
Bless ur heart, child
— Dan Davis (@_banjodan_) January 9, 2019
Now, of course, not all Phish fans were condescending and passive-aggressive. I would say the vast majority welcomed Lil Nug into their flock for her first experience with the jam band…the reckless exchanges even caught the attention of Bonnaroo itself who replied.
We hope you dig in and learn a bit about some new genres lil nug ❤️ pic.twitter.com/j7XzucpoxN
— Bonnaroo (@Bonnaroo) January 8, 2019
And that folks, is how Phish-Twitter lost its mind when someone was unaware that Phish was a thing. Let's all remember to take a chill pill and make sure everyone – indoctrinated or not – has a pleasant time out on the farm this year.
