Beale Street Music Festival
Beale Street Music Festival 2009:
May 1-3, 2009 - Memphis, TN
Latest Updates: 3/5 - Added Official Lineup
Official Lineup:
311, Al Green, The All-American Rejects, All Time Low, Amos Lee, The Bar-Kays, Ben Harper & Relentless 7, Bonnie Bramlett, Bonnie Raitt, Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm, Chancho En Pierda, Cobra Starship, The Cult, Curtis Salgado, Damon Fowler Group, Dead Confederate, Deanna Bogart, Damon Fowler Group, Elvis Costello, Fall Out Boy, G. Love & Special Sauce, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Green River Ordinance, Guitar Shorty, Hey Monday, Hubert Sumlin, Jack’s Mannequin, James Taylor, Jerry Lee Lewis, John Lee Hooker, Jr., John Mayall & The Bluesbreaker, Juke Joint Duo, Julian Marley, Jump Back Jake, Katy Perry, Kenny Neal, Korn, Los Lobos, Lurrie Bell Blues Band, Magic Dick, Matt Nathanson, Medeski Martin & Wood, Metro Station, Michael Burks, Muck Sticky, Prosevere, Reba Russell Band, Rise Against, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Russ Kleiner, Saving Abel, Shane Dwight, Sherman Robertson, Shinedown, Snoop Dogg, Steve Miller Band, Susan Tedeschi, The Roots, Taco & Da Mofos, Theory of a Deadman, The Tommy Castro Band, Three 6 Mafia, Thriving Ivory
Important Links:
Tickets:
- via Ticketmaster.com
Related Posts:
I was born and raised in Memphis, and have lived in LA and New York. Seriously, I’m tired of hearing the Beale St Music Fest’s lineup compared to festivals like Coachella. Are you kidding me? A 3-day pass to Coachella is $269 plus fees, and since the festival is held in the middle of nowhere, camping is $55 per person per night. You can easily spend $1000 for the weekend. Is the Beale St Music Fest charging you that? If they were able to get Coachella’s lineup, would you pay for it?
I’ve always sppreciated the festival’s diversity - I’m a fan of alternative, hip-hop, classic rock, and blues, so the Fest has always been fantastic to me. There have definitely been some years when the lineup was disappointing even to me, but you’ll hear no complaints from me. Ben Harper, The Cult, Korn…and 311 headlining? I’m flying in from NY to see it! (And my mom
)
I was checking out the schedule. Despite there only being a few acts I would want to see, there’s actually a couple of conflicts. They do a pretty good job of splitting up the genres, though, which makes it convenient
http://s3.amazonaws.com/1227.assets/2009_bsmf_stages.pdf
who that dippin’ in the cadillac Snoooooooooop Doooooooooooogg!!!!!!!!!! He don’t perform in memphis alot, I’am excited the doggfather coming.
It is really simple…if you don’t like the lineup don’t go and move out of the way because you are blocking a person who wants to have a good time.
It’s pretty simple. If you like the lineup go. If you don’t like it, don’t go.
I’m actually pleasantly surprised by the lineup. Inevitably, most of the performers have played the festival multiple times before, but amidst the repeat offenders I think Beaver productions managed to snag some pretty big names that will ensure that the festival sells out this years.
Hats off for booking Korn, 311, Ben Harper, Snoop Dogg, The Cult, and several other noteworthy names. I will certainly be attending all 3 days this year.
DanielB you obviously didnt see last years lineup this year is very good compared to the last few years. Ben Harper Steve Miller G Love Medeski Martin and Wood The Roots Al Green Snoop 3 6 Elvis Costello 311 The Bar Kays George Clinton James Taylor Susan Tedeschi. Please explain to me how this lineup is not appealing it has hip hop if you dont like that it has funk/soul if you dont like that it has soft rock/easy listening if you dont like that it has classic rock and if you dont like that theres modern alternative rock not to mention the blues tent anyone who says this lineup is terrible or unappealing is ignorant because they cant see the beauty of music fest in that it appeals to all crowds
Wow! This line-up does suck pretty bad. Seriously there are many people I am sure most people would like to see but nobody really stands out. I would like to see The Cult and Ben Harper other than that this is a horrible, horrible lineup. I waited and argued for two months and this is what I got. My hats off to all of you who saw this coming. This is the worst line-up ever.
To Gary’s post on Feb 10th:
Blow me. I dont go to musicfest to be culturally diverse, or to excuse myself when i bump into a senior citizen. I go to stand in the inevitable rain and mud and enjoy bands that dont require a lawnchair or collected social security. Regardless of what company is in charge, there is no excuse to have shitty bands waste everyones time until the “headliners”. Why not just make the festival one day and fill it with headliners? point being when there are 60 bands, some are going to suck. and old people or diversity is a poor excuse.
does anyone know if you can leave the festival and retun later on in the day ?
WOW! It actually sucks more than I ever thought it could
Commercial Appeal is also reporting Bonnie Raitt, Bar-Kays
Has anyone heard if Matt Nathanson will be there for sure or not? I love Ben Harper and it could quite possibly make my day is he performed. I hear his concerts are great, a mix of stand-up comedy and great music. Anyone heard if he’s going to be there?
Ben Harper and Elvis Costello are not bad “gets”…
Looking forward to the full lineup @ 2p…
Jerry Lee Lewis and Three 6 Mafia again??? WHY?? WTF is wrong with you Beaver productions? HOw about the Kings of Loen, they are touring the south during that time and they were just added to N.O. Jazz Fest for 5-2-09.
Get a clue you shitty production company!
Memphis flyer also confirms the roots and elvis costello
Memphisflyer confirms Al Green, Snoop Dogg, Ben Harper, Three 6 Mafia, and Jerry Lee Lewis
The BSMF has been the highlight of the year for me almost every year since I was in 6th grade, and there have been some truly amazing years with great bands. Dave Matthews Band, Stone Temple Pilots, Incubus, just to name a few that don’t qualify as “second-tier artists.” Yet if you look at the past 2 or 3 lineups, you are hard pressed to find anybody who has not made an appearance or 3 at the festival. It is time for new blood.
Good question. Do they intend to litter an entire stage with these mediocre bands on Sunday?
I’m sorry, but what is up with all the whiny ass EMO bands….seriously!?!?! Uh oh….I just pissed of the 15-19 year old high school crowd.
All-American Rejects on May 1, 2009
DIVER ftw
It is kind of frustrating - you would think being the home of rock and roll (anybody?) that Memphis would be a MAJOR market for concerts. Fact is, most heavyweight artists avoid Memphis like the plague. We just had one of the largest, nicest arenas in the country built downtown, and the only acts we get there are rappers, country singers, and pop stars.
It was not always like this!
Did anyone notice that they seem to be trying to book everyone from the Snakes On A Plane soundtrack? Ha ha. Thought I would mention it…
311 rocks!!!
I think it says that you live in Memphis so the allure of Beale Street does nothing for you. MIM isn’t a vacation of any sort for you. It’s just concerts in your hometown. I live in Columbia, MO. We don’t generally get huge name artists here, but we do have a couple of clubs that get nationally touring acts several nights a week.
I don’t go to every show at these clubs. You don’t go to every show in Memphis.
For me Beale Street is part of the appeal. And like I’ve said several times now, for the money MIM always comes through. There will be enough legitimately talented up and coming bands combined with a rock legend or two and blues artists to keep me busy and entertained most of the time each of the three days. And if there are gaps where I have no interest in any of the acts performing, I can just cruise up to Silky’s for a Diver.
Quit crapping on everyone else just because elite level artists aren’t brought in bunches to your doorstep ever single year.
JeffRey
Same. Old. Acts.
Precisely - They seem to have trouble booking anyone who has not played the festival multiple times before. On the bright side, maybe the shitty economy will enable them to book some bands that otherwise would have been out of their price range.
Regardless, they have done well to secure 311 for the lineup. It will be one of the most exciting BSMF performances in years.
Jeff Rey..
Im not sure what you mean by narrow world view?? Im not saying the entire fest suck’s because they do get some good acts but then they only get to play for 45 min at the most. I went to every MIM Beal Street fest from 1991 to 2002 and there were some incredible years (mostly before Beaver got involved)
The last time I went I was watching Wilco play (probably a 39 min set) and some redneck probably waiting for Creed, Nickelback or 3 Doors Down yells at Jeff Tweedy “not to quit his day job”. nuff said! many fans there are just like this.
And by the way I do go to Bonnaroo and have every year. What does that say about MIM when I live in Midtown Memphis, get offered free tickets every year and I still dont bother to go? HOwever me and many of my friends will take vacation days off, travel across the state and spend a thousand dollars? Quality of bands!
Im just sick of the same old acts, many that just played Tunica within the prior year.
AL,
I’m sorry your worldview is so narrow. I have been to 6 of the last 7 MIM festivals. Some years have been better than others, but I have never felt I got ripped off.
If you want to be a music elitist you can go to Bonaroo instead ever year, of fly across the pond and attend Glastonbury or Reading.
Memphis is centrally located in the U.S. It brings a little something for everyone. It provides for a party atmosphere post-concerts. It’s a big enough city to have plenty of hotel space near the festivities. I’m not sure what else you want. It’s not like this is the only festival you could go to. Don’t like the lineup? Don’t buy an f-ing ticket.
JeffRey
#1 Having a low price is not really a good thing. This opens the doors to way to many rednecks and highschool kids. Make the fest for people that actually love music instead of who can get drunk the fastest.
#2 To all the people raving about how diverse the line-up is….screw that! WE need quality not quantity. They need to book less bands overall and spend the money on higher tier bands and allow them to play longer sets. 45 min sets suck!
#3 Please bring back the main stage video monitors!! Why did they only use these in 2000?
Yes, and Tour Tracker also has 311 confirmed for musicfest. woohoo!
http://www.tourtracker.com/shows/311/beale-street-music-festival/03-05-2009/882338-1028779
Is Jambase a reputable website that would only post a tour date about 311 if it were legit and not because several other sites simply rumored the date?
If you go to MIM’s MySpace page, they tip off a few acts with their songlist.
Artists currently on the list include Snoop Dogg, Al Green, Katy Perry, Fall Out Boy and 311.
This isn’t an absolute, but last year around this same time Sheryl Crow, Santana and Disturbed were on the songlist. Each of those artists ended up playing the festival.
This is easily one of the cheapest festivals around. It’s located right on Beale, which makes for a great party atmosphere after the shows, and the organizers always come up with a diverse lineup that includes jam bands, hip hop, rock legends and up and comers. No the elite level, heavy hitters of music don’t typically show up, but if they did you’d be paying $250 just like Bonaroo.
I guarantee anyone with an actual diverse, rounded taste in music will find MIM worth the price of admission every year.
JeffRey
Columbia, MO
I love this festival because I usually discover new bands also. You can never go wrong with the blues tent….
Damon Fowler Group on May 3, 2009
Blues guitarist Michael Burks on Sat May 2nd and Blues legend Hubert Sumlin on May 3rd.Surely theres a place for Jerry Lee Lewis again too.
off that whole damn survey
i would love to see:
Counting Crows
Pearl Jam
All-American Rejects
Steve Miller
Barenaked Ladies
Jason Mraz
Kings Of Leon
Peter Frampton
Snow Patrol
One Republic
Alice In Chains
Snoop Dogg
Blues Traveler
Katy Perry
Dashboard Confessional
Beck
Weezer
Death Cab For Cutie
Muse
The Mars Volta
dudes, if you hate bsmf so much and the line-up sucks..go to another fest and stop complaining about it. I just looked at bonnaroo and i would love to go see the bestie boys..but not for nearly $300 just to get in, not including spending money. $60 for a three day pass is a steal. So what if not every band is amazing. Its hard to get a concert ticket at the fourm for that price. the cheapest for when the foo fighters came was like $80. So stop crying, go to roo lolla or warped tour if bsmf sucks so bad.
Bunch of wannabe ultimate frisbee playin hippie jock tools.
311 sucks ass and they play memphis all the time, not to mention their music is highly overplayed on the radio. So all in all the whole thing is going to suck.
Sherman Robertson on May 3, 2009
311 is awesome that crowd is guna b huge! the Roots are playing also on Saturday
so who’s going to petition that they allow use of the lawn area for 311? the crowd will simply be too big, unless everyones forgotten who they are (very doubtful).
toot toot.
YES!!!! 311 is gonne rock the river HARD this year!
Jambase has 311 confirmed for Sunday the 3rd
The best fest was two years ago. The bands were Egypt Central, Papa Roach (fantastic), Daughtry, and Hinder. It rocked all night. Last year, there was nothing like that. It leaned too far into heavier stuff. I like Disturbed but the rest I didn’t care about.
DanielB- you write the longest posts of all time. All i read was “thats all I was trying to say.”
Hey for those who like cheap festivals, Arkansas Riverfest in Little Rock is looking like a pretty good deal with what they have released so far. Willie Nelson, Heart, 3 Doors Down, Little River Band, Flyleaf, Gavin Rossdale, the B-52’s, Trout Fishing in America, and Jason Aldean are the first acts announced. Tickets for the 3 day festival are 12.50 in advance or $25 the weekend of. that price is for all 3 days. Thats pretty good. It takes place May 22-24th
are you working on a novel?
Your posts are FAR to long.
First of all I now understand the relevance of the list. Yet at the same time I still need to say that most of those acts listed draw crowds and some such as Black Crowes, Three Doors Down, Thee Six Mafia (who I know is more than one person I may have been thinking about Project Pat when I wrote that, it was late. When I think of Memphis and hip hop I usually think Project Pat. The reason being that I hate Project Pat. Anyway my knowledge of hip hop is certainly limited despite the fact I am aware that Three Six Mafia is a group.
As far as other music I would not say my knowledge is limited at up up until about 2004. It was about that time that I did what most adults do I decided all the great music had already been performed so I stopped listening to modern radio. Though a few songs and acts impress me from time to time. But no not at all am I limited up until that point. In fact I’d venture to say my diverse taste as well as my libraric knowledge of Punk Rock, Blues, and Jazz would place me as a pretty smart cookie when it comes to music. Not the smartest, probably not among the smartest but certainly “in the know”. I grew up in a generation where music was on a pedestal. The 90s was in my opinion the greatest musical generation. Though everyone thinks their generation was the best.
Anyway just defending myself a bit. I am not sure how taste and such can make someone musically ignorant. That is unless you listen to Emo and Screamo, lol.
The point I was trying to make is a point that many made after my last comments. BSMF is diverse, affordable and worth while, not to mention vastly more convenient than other fests specifically the camp happy Bonaroo. Pray for no rain!
I agree that this complaining people are doing about the festival is ridiculous. You have to be pretty discriminating to not get your 25 bucks per day worth or under 70 bucks for the weekend’s worth. I do not want to see this festival become polarized. Then again, I don’t have to worry because most of the complainers are in the minority.
I know some of the kids are nervous about partying around a bunch of 50 year olds, 40 year olds, 30 years olds, and such. I know that the music which appeals to those groups does not necessarily appeal to the younger crowd. But the older crowd is a wonderful addition to the festival. By in large the older audience members look out for people where as the younger crowd are usually the culprits to problems in such a social utopia like a music festival.
The last major music festival to cater almost exclusively to the youth was the last time they celebrated Woodstock. The result was the reason this cannot be. A very dangerous situation occured and that was the end of that. Even Ozzfest and the Warped Tour acknowledge that older acts bring older crowds which lessens the problems within the crowd.
Bottom line no matter your taste in music…
If you can’t find atleast two bands a day that you can enjoy. I am being very limited there by the way. Then you are far too discriminating to concern yourself with a music festival. You shouldn’t be satisfied with Bonaroo either.
It you can’t respect the fact that in order for these festivals to take place they need to be diverse, then you are a part of a problem. This reason is exactly why Birmingham’s City Stages went from being an event to being in debt. They began being very specific on their target crowd, by the time they realized the mistake they were three years in debt. Soon there will be no Birmingham City Stages.
If you can’t even positively entertain the truth that you can logically see 20 plus acts in three days for under 70 bucks as a deal, you must be financially spoiled.
If you can’t appreciate that Beale offers undeniably the best back drop scenery of any American Music Festival (at least that I know of), then you don’t understand how having a good time can include moments of tranquility.
If you can’t appreciate that the attraction of Beale Street alone outshines that of any festival, you don’t understand what partying is about.
BSMF offers so much for under 70 bucks. Sure if you travel there and spend three nights you are going to likely spend 300 - 400 bucks plus the cost of a hotel.
Now let’s take Bonaroo for example. The cost of three days at BSMF if you enjoy the amenites and surroundings to their fullest (let’s say 450 bucks). Well Bonaroo charges almost 3/4 of that for their festival alone. You still have to buy food, beverages, and whatever else. You are likely to double your expenditures at Bonaroo. But that’s okay because you’ll save on the hotel right? Sure and if it doesn’t rain it will be great. If you enjoy not taking a shower for three days or traveling to do so, or waiting in line for one it will be great. If you enjoy getting bitten my mosquitos and hearing the sound of Joe the Fat Guy and his toothless wife making love noises from his nearby tent while you are trying to sleep or make love to your mate yourself it will be great.
I am no modern day painsy. I enjoy camping, but not around tens of thousands of other campers. Certainly I can take a thunder shower as I did last year to see Sheryl Crow perform only four songs. Yet I personally like the opportunity to come out of the rain when I want to. I also like the idea of being able to stay warm afterwards.
Comparing BSMF to the Festival desires of the average person can’t be proven but would like result in it being the BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL year in and year out.
That’s all I’m trying to say.
Great, we’ll probably be treated with Saliva to waste one of the headlining spots.
Yeah that’s the list. Take it as you will
This was a survey sent out late last year. You were to rate each artist on a scale and I guess they used that to book some of the talent for this year’s festival. It was never stated that everyone listed was going to be there. Many of the artists on the list have performed there the last couple of years.
that list is total bullshit, there are probably 8 major festival headliners on it.
While that would be a truly amazing lineup for the BSMF..
I’ll believe it when I see it when it comes to having Pearl Jam on the lineup..
Alot of great acts on that list tho..
I received the same survey. The artists listed were:
Al Green
Maroon 5
Counting Crows
Joe Cocker
Three Days Grace
Pearl Jam
All-American Rejects
Jeff Beck
Steve Miller
Ben Harper
Barenaked Ladies
Jason Mraz
MGMT
My Morning Jacket
Kings Of Leon
Fall Out Boy
James Taylor
Panic At The Disco
Secondhand Serenade
Peter Frampton
Jack’s Mannequin
Snow Patrol
One Republic
B-52’s
Alice In Chains
Snoop Dogg
Little Feat
Metro Station
Plain White T’s
Blues Traveler
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Saliva
Duffy
Katy Perry
Dashboard Confessional
Beck
Weezer
Death Cab For Cutie
Ani DiFranco
Tracy Chapman
Jerry Lee Lewis
Earth Wind & Fire
Ryan Adams
The Roots
Ben Folds
Melissa Etheridge
Motorhead
Modest Mouse
The Black Keys
Muse
The Mars Volta
Three 6 Mafia
Edgehead..
Please do post.. Im holding off buying tickets to a couple of local shows here in St. Louis, just in case those same bands end up showing up at Beale Street.
Edgehead, I would be interested to hear some of the bands…
I received a survey from the Beale Street Music Festival that had a list of performers and asked me what I thought about each one. I’ll have to post some of the bands on that list later if anyone is interested.
Any chance of Wilco or Neil Young gracing Tom Lee? If I remember correctly, the bands that are leaked early to the schedule are generally not the headliners… I could also see Ben Harper w/ Relentless7 making an appearance.
Just a guess, but a press conference at Hard Rock to announce a lineup with the Steve Miller Band & James Taylor as headliners seems like a waste of time. They seem more suited for the early evening slot on one of the middle stages.
R. Flair
IV Horseman
well i dont care who they bring its always fun to me. I dont really care for some of the new bands that have recently hit big but i do have to say My Chemical Romance in the rain was most likely one of the best times i have had at a concert.
Incubus and puddle of mudd? that’s your idea of good music?
I have been to the festival every year for the last several years and I will say this. I like that they diversify the music and make it open for all generations to enjoy. Last year was good to me because Joan Jett rocked, Finger 11 was awesome, Arrested development put on an amazing show, Disturbed blew it away, and Saving Able also put on a very good performance.
Each person will have 2-3 groups to see each of the three days and for the price you just cannot beat it. 2007’s Barenaked ladies was absolutely incredible and that one band made the entire weekend worth while.
I am sure when the announce the actual line up for 2009 many of you will be surprised and have bands that make the trip worth while.
that lineup sucks.
i used to do the beale st. music fest every year until i found a festival i like better…new orleans jazz fest the same weekend.
the only 2 bands that would make me pick MIM over jazz fest is phish and van morrison.
I laugh at all the people bitching and complaining about a music fest lineup. If you don’t like it, don’t go. I think this festival does a pretty good job of booking a lot of well-known, diverse artists for a cheap price. I went in ‘07 for one day and got to see Jerry Lee, Allman Bros., Three Six, Chevelle, North Miss. All-Stars, Derek Trucks, Social D and a few others for 25 bucks. Are you kidding me? People are complaining? Sure there may be some bands you don’t like, but the lineup is diverse and large enough that you can simply check out another stage.
It also seems to be a good chance to catch some legends for cheap while you still have the chance. I think James Brown and Bo Diddley both played a few years before they passed on. I didn’t get to make it down those years but wish I would have.
Im excited. This is one of my favorite festivals because it offers a diverse lineup that virtually eliminates comflicts. Obviously it cant compete with heavy hitter festivals like Lolla or Bonnaroo, but its lineup is sprinkled with artists that you just wouldnt see on a regular bill and thats why I love it. It cheap and has small crowds but with artists that you truly feel lucky to see (last year for me this was Lou Reed, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Aretha).
I travel from Maine each year. The wonderfull thing about this concert is the variety. A little of everything. I thrive on live performances and BSMF has the best bang for my buck. Tax season will be over and it will be time to travel around catch great tunes, Gamble in Tunica and just live. Stop fussing about who’s gonna play. Its all good.
Jerry Lee Lewis is the MAIN REASON I go to the festival… Such a Legend……
STEVE MILLER BAND ??
- that would be AWESOME!
One of the great things to me about this festival is that it is a relaxing weekend with great music. People complain because there aren’t HUGE, HUGE names there. I’m a huge music fan, but I’m not quite sure I would want that to happen. Let’s say that they book someone like Eric Clapton…Do you know how many people in that small area would show up to see him? It would almost be unbearable. Also, think about the ticket prices. This festival has one of the lowest ticket prices imaginable. The three day pass is sometimes less that just ONE of the performances would be in concert.
There is one thing that I hope Memphis in May does this year. Keep the larger acts off the middle stage and keep them at two end stages. There is a whole lot more room at the end stages and when there is a huge group in the middle, people walking from one end of the park to the other can’t make it through.
But to me personally, The Beale Street Music Festival organizers have done a tremendous job. You look at festivals around the globe and the complaints they receive and Beale Street Music Festival seems very nicely designed.
DanielB–
You really aren’t helping the cause here.. Your musical knowledge is iffy, at best. For example, Three Six Mafia is a hip-hop group and not a single artist..
If people here are even checking the COS Festival Outlook page.. they are hoping that the folks that run the Beale Street Fest book some first rate bands this year.. So far, the lineup is.. uh.. uninspiring, to say the least.. But there is still hope.
Apparently the lineup is coming out March 5th.. They just need to get 5-10 artists that are relevant today.. And people will be happy. So far on the list above.. they have zero. But I think the festival organizers will come through in the end.. I really do.
We are traveling to Memphis from the UK to join in the Beale Street Festival. I have been a little discouraged by reading some of the comments, all I hope is that Jerry Lee Lewis will be there then it will be worth while just to see this legend perform again!
“311 again, great music stale performance.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fla-b5mYbM
The “relevence” of those other acts and all of them was to list performers who have REPEATEDLY played the BSMF since the dawn of time. When the lineup comes out every March I read through it and say “Damn, half these bands have played here 3 or 4 times already.” No?
In defense of Beale Street Music Festival again. I do not work for them I just enjoy a great concept. Here’s the deal SXSW is a great line-up consistantly but if you are from the east coast it’s a more than a bit of a trip. Conchilla (I may have spelled that wrong) is in Cali, again a lengthy trip. Though 450 dollar airline travel has gone a long way for us and Fall Out Boy. BTW if Fall Out Boy shows up at Beale I will come in here and call you who argue Genius Wonders and myself a tool. As long as I can call Fall Out Boy the most business-mindedly ignorant band of all time. The only (in my opinion) rival to East Coast Festivals for Beale Street is Bonaroo. Banoroo is great if it doesn’t rain, if you want to chalk up 3 to 4 times the amount you are going to get a Beale Street, oh and of course if your idea of escaping the Festival for a bit is to shroom through cow dung, because that’s as exciting as the area gets. It’s an annual woodstock without the naked girls, free love, and true LSD. Yet, it is obvious they have the better line-up consistantly. As for Beale….
In response to David
3 Doors Down (at least ten hit songs in three albums and five years when they showed up first)…Perhaps they are washed up but not when they showed.
Sheryl Crow (Still cracks the charts, one of the most successful female musicians of all time, has had 14 hits that I can count without googling in less than 15 years.) She is no wash up.
Cowboy Mouth (A college band that still draws a crowd. Seriously. I know they suck. But they draw a crowd) Wash ups to the masses, but huge to college kids.
Saliva (Sucks yes in our opinions, but when they showed they were still cracking the metal charts) Maybe wash-ups but not when they showed.
The Offspring (Perhaps the most chart topping “punk” band of all time. Yes, you for all of you “sell out and fake punk labelers” they are punk. They’ve done nothing that The Ramones, Black Flag, and Social Distortion haven’t done before them in terms of possible “sell out”. Pretty Fly for a White Guy was a humorist anthem. Every punk band does at least four or five of these. Anyway to this day they still crack the charts, they have a huge cult following, and are perhaps the smartest rock band out there today.) These guys are no wash ups.
Black Crowes (LMAO did you see their crowd last year, it was touching the back end of Aretha’s crowd. This band is HUGE in the south, and have had several hits. Not to mention one of the most successful rock albums of all time in terms of song realease hits, followed by one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the 90s, followed by sporatic hits, huge tours gathering larger crowds than some of the “major” tours. They have almost a “dead head” following. People travel to see them three times, four times, five times within one tour. To say they have a cult following is like saying Aerosmith has a cult following. While they are not as big as Aerosmith their numbers out shine by far any other “cult” following act. Ahem in terms of album sells this includes The Grateful Dead’s 15 years befor Jerry Garcia’s death.) They are not only not wash ups but may well be around years after the bands listed on here are drawing royalties for peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches.
OAR (again a college act with a huge following. They draw crowds. They too are seen by many fans three, four, five times a tour.) No wash-ups.
Hootie and the Blowfish (Fine they were wash ups when they showd but I am certain many people wanted to hear their hits. They had enough to draw a crowd.) Wash ups but okay there is one.
Ike Turner (Was he relevant enough to place on this list. This was unfair to mention)
Puddle of Mudd (Hugely chart topping when they appeared, despite of falling since then)
Seether (Chart toppers when they appeared)
Ingram Hill (Relevance? again)
Counting Crows (Huge Cult Following, Adam Duritz is considered to be one of the greatest lyricist of all time. Adored by women of all ages. Women, not girls. Draws major crowds. Had one of the most successful albums of the nineties) No Wash Ups
Three Six Mafia (This is about Memphis. He’s a Memphis Hip Hop Legend. So in a sense complaining about him showing up at BSMF is like complaining that Bruce Springsteen showed up in Jersey, or Clay Aiken showed up at Gay Pride Music Festival. He belongs there, and he’s successful. Like him or not)
Gomez (F’N relevance? why are you listing low-liners?)
Sister Hazel (low-liner again but this one is another college act with a following. Did you run out of people to complain about?)
Shinedown (Chart toppers when they appeared even if they do suck)
Lucero (Again with relevance. You have to name acts that are not listed as low-liners or mid-low liners if you are going to make a point. EVERY FESTIVAL HAS THESE! Even The Almighty Banoroo)
Jerry Lee Lewis (Musical Legend, Memphis Legend) You can’t call a actual LIVING LEGEND a wash up. In that case I suppose Aretha Franklin is a wash up, B.B. King is a wash up, Hell would Paul McCartney be a wash up? How about Eric Clapton. Damn Carlos Santana hadn’t had a hit song in 20 years until he began performing with modern vocal acts. Legends draw crowds because they are Legends.
Jack Johnson (Huge act when he showed up at Beale as a mid-low-liner)
Tommy Castro (relevance?)
Mavis Staples (relevance?)
Collective Soul (A true wash up when they showed as a mid-liner. Here you make a point)
Little Richard (LEGEND)
Bar-Kays(relevance?)
In the past 9 years BSMF has been diverse. If you are looking for every act to please you then you’d like be showing up to an empty Music Festival. Every person’s taste are different than the other. The key is one rock concert can cost 25 bucks minimum. You spend 70 for three days. If you can find two acts you are excited about plus four you would enjoy it’s worth it. BSMF has Blues, Modern Rock, Bands who were huge in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, and even LEGENDS from the 50s and 60s. You are garaunteed to see at least two acts a year which are LEGENDARY performers, three who are current chart toppers, and Three or Four with large cult followings. Not to mention a broad range of genre (punk rock, alternative rock, heavy metal (or hard rock), hip-hop, cultural music, blues, country, modern rock, pop, soul, and even jazz). There is not another festival out there that offers this and to push it into three days is phenomenal!
Yes some of the line-up is going to make your eyes roll in the back of your head. Some of it will be of acts you’ve never heard of. But the diversity is why there are three stages and a blues tent. Not only do they offer diverse music but rarely is a modern hit making act on seperate stages at the same time. Rarely are two acts from the same genre on seperate stages at the same time. Example (last year) Santana, Disturbed, Matisyahu, Keb Mo covering the four stages (including the blues tent) at the same time. LEGEND, Popular Modern Metal Act, Current Hit Maker, Blues Legend. Another example was (if it hadn’t came a ligtning storm) My Chemical Romance, Sheryl Crow, Johnny Lang, and Ben Folds. Again current hit makers, Female Rock/pop Legend still relevant, New Blues hit maker, and hit maker of the nineties and early 2000s. Beale does a fantastic job. But if it’s a more “modern line-up” you are looking for I guess BSMF should be filled with
unimaginative hip hop with advertisements instead of lyrics (the state of modern hip hop)
Growling and screaming (like my metal generation has never seen) drowning into whining singing and bad guitar riffs (EMO, Screamo, Tickle Me Elmo whatever you call it)
American Idol rejects and winners
Oh and kids (YES KIDS) who do not know anything about life singing about LIFE.
That’s the state of modern music. I know I am an old geezer who doesn’t understand. I told my parents the same thing. But most of the modern music has nothing to do with substance nevermind the sound.
They covered the whining crowd last year. Simple Plan, My Chemical Romance (who while Kudos to their performing in the rain sounded like crap from afar), Matisyahu, Finger Eleven, Fergie, Tegan and Sara, and I believe Flyleaf was there. That’s to name about half of the modern popular acts which were there. Within that age target they covered four genres (Reggae, Pop, Rock, and even EMO “Ears Might Obstruct”)
BSMF is more than worth the price of your parents credit card swipe. But if not, hey stay home and pretend blowing things up via a few buttons and a television screen is deep turn My Chemical Romance all the way up and cry about how life isn’t fair because Dad bought you a Mustang and not a Viper, Sarah dumped you because you made out with Jessie, and You haven’t got the newest version of Grand Theft Auto the one where you really learn great social skills like killing a prostitute and a cop with copies of Slayer albums “because it’s cool retro like that. and Hot Topic has their cool t shirts that only teenagers who killed cats for fun and play Dungeons and Dragons wore. YEAH Cannibal Corpse ruled when I was like…NEVER!
Wow! The Cult is the first real act rumored here that I am really excited about. By the way, Lowber if you would have read me correctly there was sarcasm in my enthusiasm to see Fall Out Boy. I was excited to see a completely exhausted band show up at a Festival in Memphis inbetween two dates in New Jersey / New York. Airlines may have come along way, but bands are pretty much the same. They typically do not go out of the way for a music festival especially when they are booked as much as they are. Trust me, a “festival” spot won’t cover the time, inconvenience, and even cost of going from Jersey to Memphis to New York to Canada in like five days. If you take Memphis out of those trips it is a little more convenient. Bands typically do not travel by air unless they are huge. Fall Out Boy hasn’t made that leap yet. They probably never will. Remember the band comes with their roadies, their managers, their props, musical equipment, as well as luggage. Most of them charter a bus because of this. Your “airline” scenario for a Beale Street appearance makes no business sense not to mention it’s just plain stupid (no offense to you personally). It’s just a bit silly to imagine FOB doing the Mason-Dixon trot back and forth in three days for mid-liner festival pay.
I did walk out on 311 to meet No Doubt. This was when No Doubt was still fresh and young. 311 was a boring college band with a hype man. Honestly I gave them a shot and after seeing more of the back of my eyelids than the band I figured that I would rather meet Gwen Stefani. It’s the same with every college act. Their just frat boys with instruments that smoke pot and drink beer. OAR makes amazing music, but last year at Beale I was about as excited during their performance as I would be to see an Andy Dick / Carrot Top comedy special. That’s college bands for you. 311 again, great music stale performance. No Doubt “hit and miss” music, amazing performers. I’d rather claw my eyes out with fish hooks and cover the wombs with peanut butter then lie in an ant bed than to partake in anything Marilyn Manson or Korn does ever. However, their crappy music not withstanding “in 1996″ when both bands were virtually no-name acts I saw them open up for Danzig. These two performances were mind blowing. Three years later a well known Korn was disappointing as a headliner. Performances and taste in music are two totally different things all together.
I’ve seen Dave Matthews, Tool, Danzig, Stone Temple Pilots, Smashing Pumpkins, Live, Counting Crows, The Black Crowes, Distubred, Bob Dylan, The Ramones, The Misfits 90s version, Def Leppard, Tori Amos, No Doubt, 311, Weezer, Third Eye Blind, Better Than Ezra, Social Distortion, Cheap Trick (unfortunately), Hatebreed, Dropkick Murphy’s, Rage Against The Machine, Static X, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Marilyn Manson, Korn, REM, Green Day, The Flaming Lips, The Rolling Stones, Sheryl Crow, The Presidents of The United States of America, Switchfoot, P.O.D., Soundgarden, Stereomud, Drowning Pool (unfortunately), B.B. King, Taj Mahal, Johhny Cash, Snoop Dog, Kid Rock, 3 Doors Down, Perfect Circle, Skid Row (don’t ask), Prong, Five For Fighting, Ben Folds Five, Seven Mary Three, Violent Femmes, The Urge…all with major set time as either mid openers or headliners. That’s not counting all of the acts I have seen at several music festivals.
I am not naming those to brag. I mean, how much boasting can you actually do about getting off your but dropping a little cash and going to see someone else entertain you? I named those acts to explain I have seen a lot of musical entertainers get plenty of stage time (enough to impress an audience or not). I am telling you that YES 311 was bad (at least the night I attempted to watch them). No Doubt was amazing, not one of the best I have seen but a solid and over all entertaining performance. Matisyahu honestly can only be touched by four bands I have seen to my knowledge (performance wise). Those bands being; Rage Against The Machine, Dave Matthews Band, Live, and Kid Rock. Now with that being said I have never been a Kid Rock fan, am barely a Live fan, and do not listen to Rage Against the Machine now, but when they were in their prime these guys were the greatest performers I have ever seen. Also I have always been a DMB fan. I’d even give Marilyn Manson the runner up to what I consider to be a top five. I hated Manson then and hate him now. But when you can put on a show, there is no arguing that.
Matisyahu, obviously “best performance” is of an opinionated matter (as most of this is) but perhaps I did over state a bit. He was among the “best performances” I have ever seen. Not necessarily the best.
Finally as long as I am wasting time and life acting like a child on a forum, lol. I wouldn’t say my music taste is in question. I enjoy live music (period). Most of those acts I see are only partially based on my “taste”. I can listen to any song at home, but even if I am only half way interested in the music if the performance is right it’s undeniable entertainment. My favorite band of all time Social Distortion did a great job performing when I saw them. The venue sucked, but the music was great and so was the performance. Yet, they did not out perform Marilyn Manson a man and band I loathe.
So when I say Matisyahu gave one of the best performances I mean just that PERFORMANCES. If you questioned that then I doubt you saw his act. If you did, you must have left well before it was over. If not, then I suppose the question is why did you stay at a crappy performance? 311 and No Doubt musically could go jump off a brige as far as I am concerned. I enjoy a lot of their music, but if their music had never existed I wouldn’t care. However 311 performing makes me want to jump off a bridge. That’s the bones of it.
Damn, is that half the lineup already?
Thanks Rodney for respecting the younger crowd. I’m still in high school and I understand where a lot of my favorite musicians’ favorite musicians got inspired from.
Also The All-American Rejects and The Academy Is… are rumored to play on May 2nd.
P.S. The full lineup is supposed to be announced on March 5th at a public press conference at the Hard Rock Cafe Memphis.
Looks good to me so far theres still a few names im not familiar with but to have artists and bands like The Cult, James Taylor and John Mayalls not bad at all considering the ticket prices, still another 25 plus names to announce yet. I cant wait to see who the other big name headliners are, ive got a feeling Bonnie Raitt and Kings Of Leon will grace the main stages, i also think it would be cool to see Booker T Jones with the Drive By Truckers.
And David, I know names like Ike Turner & Jerry Lee Lewis ‘litter’ the line up year end and year out, but remember Ike did record the first Rock n Roll song and Lewis is the last living member of the million dollar quartet. Its difficult to appreciate today’s new music w/o respecting the founding fathers. I don’t mean any disrespect.
I appreciate you younger folks coming out to BSMF, spending the cash to see hard core & extravagant alt rock bands because you help fund the representative portion of the festival that gave music a heart beat, like Aretha & Buddy Guy. And whether you like the blues or not, that fancy rock you listen to on the big stages wouldn’t even exist without it. No matter the talent, the real music is under the tent. Memphis, the heart of the delta; the delta where R. Johnson, Son House, Muddy, B.B. & Jimmy Reed were from. You wouldn’t have the Rolling Stones or the Ramones without Muddy or Honky Tonk w/o Jimmy Reed or 311 without the influence of songs written on the front porch of field hands’ homes in Helena, Arkansas or Clarksdale, MS. If none of you know how to appreciate Hubert Sumlin or Pinetop Perkins, who were at last year’s festival, then you’re just someone that uses toilet paper w/o appreciating the tall trees it came from.
I believe the dmb recent release of dates has a day or 2 open between may 1-3 as does the robin thicke/jennifer hudson tour. Nothing to get excited about but just a couple of possibilities
The Cult on May 1, 2009
This blows. You older people go for one day most of the time. It is us people ages 18-25 who go for all three days when there are good bands. And yes, 18-25 year old’s buy their own tickets… Fall Out Boy sucks and the only other band that I recognized was Steve Miller Band, which might be a good place to smoke a joint, but prolly boring as hell. Thanks a lot for not delivering anything good to Memphis. And 2001 was the best year. Incubus and Puddle of Mud were on the same stage right after one another. Why not bring music that people actually listen too. I know that some people listen to Taco and Da Mofos, but really??? Your going to devote an entire music fest stage to them??? This town sucks. I love how they never ever have a single metal band either. They had better hope that 311 comes. It is their only hope.
2001 was a long time ago, alex..
they need to release the lineup for this fest…
may 1st isnt all that far away..
yea musicfest was absolutelty a total disappointment last year but for those who say it is consistently bad look at 2001. http://www.thebealestreetmusicfestival.com/2001-bealestreetmusicfestivallineup.htm yeaaa and 2007 had allmans, govt mule, dtrucks, nmallstars, steely dan( i mean seriously), TAJ MAHAL, umphjreys mcgee and ocms yea but last year was terrible
Marko, what’s the rumor with John Butler? When did they last play the BSMF? That would make the whole weekend for me.
as long as john butler trio and pete francis show up, i’m good. i got to interview pete last year and he said he was coming back cuz he liked it…fingers crossed! Matisyahu was probably my favorite from last year cuz he is pretty much the only jew that is worth listening to (except for the few that do your taxes) haha jk i yoke i yoke!
Any word or rumor of a North Mississippi Allstars or Robert Randolph appearance?!?!
Tis on. I’m pretty sure they’ll save Memphis for the summer your though.
Daniel- i will see your tour dates and raise u a 311 show in georgia/alabama on that friday followed by a beale street performance on sunday;-)
well they are from TN and dont have any dates there yet
I’m a joker, I’m a smoker, I’m a midnight toker….I SURE DON’T WANT TO HURT NO OOoooooooooooooooone!
If you look at their tour dates they are playing St. Augustine, FL on April 30 and will be in Asheville, NC on May 4th and 5th. Why would they travel all the way from Florida to Memphis and backtrack to North Carolina a few days later? Plus they’re mainly sticking to smaller cities for their spring tour. I bet they will hit up another city or 2 in FL and possibly one in GA before going to Asheville.
Kings of Leon might actually get me to this
that would be pretty awesome if it happened
Daniel- what makes you say that no 311 for this music fest? Their tour dates so far has Fri May 1 and Sun May 3 as TBA and Sat May 2 as day off. If anything, that makes the rumor that they will be appearing that much stronger as most festivals prefer that you don’t announce your appearance until they have announced the lineup.
idk if anyone knows them..but may 1st Taco and Da Mofos will be playing bsmf, so please add it to the list..
David–
You pretty much nailed it there..
But every year they do have some surprises..
I would have loved to see Lou Reed or Tegan and Sarah last year.
Memphis is close to me, and I have already confirmed that I can get a hotel room right on Beale for fairly cheap..
I just need a few decent bands on the lineup to get me down there..
“Beale Street has a consistantly good line-up.”
Horse baloney!
The festival thrives on lowbrow, past-their-prime top 40 bands and routinely brings the same, affordable acts back to the river every year. Examples:
3 Doors Down
Sheryl Crow
Cowboy Mouth
Saliva
The Offspring
Black Crowes
OAR
Hootie and the Blowfish
Ike Turner
Puddle of Mudd
Seether
Ingram Hill
Counting Crows
Three Six Mafia
Gomez
Sister Hazel
Shinedown
Lucero
Jerry Lee Lewis
Jack Johnson
Tommy Castro
Mavis Staples
Collective Soul
Little Richard
Bar-Kays
Anyone look familiar? These same overplayed acts litter the stage year after year with variety few and far between. I have the impression that BSMF is simply too bootleg for most national touring acts, and they simply don’t waste their time.
So DanielB, you sat through No Doubt and walked out on 311? That doesn’t speak very highly of your musical preferences.
No 311 at Music Fest this year.
Take it down.
dang DanielB- so tell us how you really feel about the Beale Street Festival. Do you work for them? You will be happy to know that both Pollstar and Fall Out Boy have taken the Memphis date off of the schedule but you can very easily play in New Jersey on a Saturday and Memphis on a Sunday. Air travel has come a long way.
I would have agreed with a lot that you said but then you threw in that Matisyahu was potentially one of the greatest live acts you have ever seen and that you are looking forward to Fall Out Boy and your message was lost. I like your enthusiasm though
If you missed MCR, you missed the single best performance at the 2008 festival. I wasn’t a big fan of MCR going in, but after Sheryl Crow (three songs) and Jonny Lang (one song) walk off stage and don’t come back because of the weather, and then MCR come out and play their entire set in a miserable downpour for anyone that stayed to watch them, you couldn’t help but be converted.
And yeah, Lou Reed was pretty awful. I was disappointed.
Steve Millers Website has him being there on May 1st.
kings of leon have no tour dates booked between 4/30 (NC) and 5/4 (FL)…plenty of time to hop over to Memphis.
Hey guys, everybody chill out. Beale Street has a consistantly good line-up. I am not sure why so many think the line-up stinks. They cater each year to diverse crowds. They have a Blues Tent for those who love the blues. Last year (the year that apparantly sucked for many of you) had Jerry Lee Lewis, Santana, Aretha Franklin, Michael McDonald and others for the older crowd. For the Gen-X (28-38) crowd they had Sheryl Crow, The Black Crowes, Joan Jett and the Black Hearts, Arrested Development, and Lou Reid (who would also cater to the older crowd). For the younger generation (those whose PARENTS usually buy their tickets, for the record) they had Disturbed, Finger Eleven, Simple Plan, My Chemical Romance, Matisyahu, Flyleaf, Tegan and Sara, and Fergie to name a few.
There is no other festival that provides what BSMF does. First you have Beale Street, a hell of a street to party on (perhaps on rivaled in the States by Bourbon Street in New Orleans). The food on Beale and at the Festival is spactacular and affordable especially considering other fests. The scenery (over look the Mississippi River) is the best you are going to get at any festival. It is in one of the most historic musical cities in the country especially for Blues and Rock N Roll. You can feel safe at the fest and on Beale (security is wonderful, and just liberal enough for even a pot head to enjoy a good time). Once you are off Beale, however Memphis can be a bit scary.
Anyway it’s three amazing days of music, so much that conflicts come up. I am 30 years old. Last year I wanted to see Carlos Santana but after seeing Lou Reid I was in the mood for a performance not lengthy guitar leads. So my friends and I walked over to see Matisyahu. The performance was amazing. 9 times out of 10 I’d say leaving behind a Legend for a likely “one hit wonder” was a mistake. Yet I saw one of the greatest performances I have ever seen. That is saying something because I have seen many, many musical performances from many Legendary and even Infamous performers.
As far as the line-up right now. I admit, nothing catches my eye other than the possibility of seeing James Taylor. I am not a fan of his but I like some of his music and he is a Legend. Also I am looking forward to Fall Out Boy, who are apparantly going to be in New Jersey and Memphis at the same time. That alone, is worth seeing, lol. Not sure what the truth is behind Fall Out Boy. 311 is boring live. I saw them about a decade or so ago with No Doubt. No Doubt was the opening act and I loved their performance, but walked out four songs in of 311 because it was stale.
But please all of you need to understand over 50 percent of this line-up is most likely inaccurate. There are other lists out there placing Rage Against The Machine, BB King, Social Distortion, Dave Matthews, and Lynyrd Skynyrd on the line-up. Like 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004 these are all rumors. You can’t exactly trust a list that places Fall Out Boy in two states on opposite national hemispheres at the same time. With this All Time Low is in the same situation being that they are currently on tour with Fall Out Boy.
The announcement will likely come on the last week of February or the first week of March, like it does every year. And like it does every year, 45 percent or more of the rumors will be untrue. And like every year, Beale Street Music Fest will sell more than enough tickets because they will sign major talent. Like every year many acts you weren’t expecting will sign on. Like it does every year all of these whining morons who complain about Beale will be sitting on the railing on Sunday drunk off their rears talking about how much of a good time they had for under 70 bucks while rubbing their nipples with their own vomit. Memphis in May is amazing and the organizers do a hell of a job with it. I am so sure of the excitement I will have for the line-up that I never wait to reserve a room, tickets, and take time off. BSMF is a holiday for me. With that allow me to place my own set of rumors that are just as accurate as these “confirmed” and “rumored” acts.
Elvis Presley
Kurt Cobain Nirvana
Jimi Hendrix
Jim Morrison and the Doors
Janis Joplin
Alice in Chains featuring Layne Staley
Patsy Cline
Hank Williams
John Lee Hooker (not Jr.)
Robert Johnson
Fall Out Boy
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Mary Poppins
Howard The Duck and his band
The Rat Pack
Ghandi
and Jesus Christ of Nazareth
also appearing for the first time ever a cover band of that famous rock band from 2025 “We Like To Rock with Pop Rocks” the “Disco Duck Furs”.
oh and George W. Bush is presenting evidence of the WMDs at Beale this year, Barack Obama is going to sing the Boy George hit “Yes We Can” and also Giant Ants from the movie Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
finally…my favorite act
Grow Up
This lineup is TERRIBLE! If 311 makes it then that’ll be sweet but that’s about it. Who is booking this thing??? I’m very disappointed.
I agree 2007 was the best Beale St. Music Fest that I have been to in the past 5 years that I’v went to the festival. Last years festival wasn’t that great, only bands I was inrested in was Seether and Disturbed, and I’m not a huge Disturbed fan. It would pretty cool if they would devote a stage to a certain genre of music, rock, country, and rap/r&b. I am a metal head honestly, but this would make more sense to me. They do get some decent rock bands to play but it’s band that are good on a cd but aren’t that good live. Just my opinion of course….
Steve Miller Band on May 1, 2009 rumored.
An unofficial website has James Taylor performing at BSMF on May 3, 2009.
Matt Nathanson & Erin McCarley are opening acts for Jack’s Mannequin’s current tour, so they will probably both be there as well.
Curtis Salgado & Russ Kleiner on May 2, 2009
does anybody have any juicy rumors for this thing??..
im already passing on bonnaroo, and lolla is looking iffy because of the timing this year..
im looking for an excuse to plan a trip and book a hotel down in memphis, but i need something a little better than fall out boy..
some recommendations: weezer, tom petty, the strokes,lupe fiasco, tv on the radio, vampire weekend, common, yeah yeah yeahs, band of horses, deVotchKa, flogging molly, N.E.R.D., rodrigo y gabriella…
Matt:
That’s interesting that you talk about “that new company” taking it over. Because it’s been the same booking company doing it since 1998. That would make you 12 years old when “the old company” was last doing it. I like the job that Beaver Productions has done with it. They consistently try to diversify everything, and no other festival does it nearly as well.
Rest in Peace, Bob Kelley. You made this festival what it is.
I am 23 and have lived in Memphis my whole life. Man for the most part, Music Fest has sucked ever since the new company took over for picking the bands a few years ago.
Before that company took over, I was one of the first in line to buy a three day pass when they went on sale because there were good bands playing all day.
Ever since they took over, I have only gone probably 2 days in the past few years. The only good time I have had since they took over was when Godsmack was here.
No offense meant, but when the company took over they said they wanted to make it more conservative for the older crowd. More music for the older people.
I am sorry, but the older crowd are not the ones who buy all the tickets to go and are willing to stand out there all day, whether it be cold and rain or hot and humid. Its the younger generation that will stand out there, no matter what, to see a band they like. I only speak from experience.
I think this company needs to rethink what they are doing. And its not just me who thinks this because if you look at the ticket sales for the past few years, they have gone down drastically compared to the years before them taking over.
There needs to be a change in management or something because right now it just sucks for the most part.
I’m glad Fall Out Boy and friends will be there. It just kind of eliminates conflicts for me.
311 would be SWEET! They are touring in that part of the country at the time (Myrtle Beach, SC on Apr. 22nd and West Palm Beach, FL on Apr. 29 are confirmed tour dates) and they seem to be playing festivals so it would only make sense to hit up Memphis. Unless we really suck that much.
Hey Bruce. You’re an idiot. When you make a claim and leave a link to back it up, it helps when they match.
Julian Marley on May 2, 2009. The lineup is usually announced in Early March.
I didn’t go last year for the first time because the line up sucked. If this is as good as it gets this year I’m not going. They need to look at 2007 and repeat it. That was the best year yet.
Carl, why isnt the lineup consistantly good?
Mainly because Beale St. is cheap as dirt to go to.
But there are usually 5-10 good bands that make the eventual lineup.. I am holding out hope that they’ll add something.
There certainly isnt anything worthwhile on the current “confirmed” list…
Anybody know when the lineup is usually released?
Man, why can’t this festival have a consistently good lineup?
Jack’s Mannequin on May 1, 2009.
Rumor has it that 311 will be headlining the Beale Street Music Festival this year.
Man no one cares about those chick bands. last year was such a disappointment, lets hope this year has less chick music
Bonnie Bramlett on May 1, 2009.
john lee hooker would be a great addition to any festival, except for one little problem- he’s been dead for about 7.5 years. it’s his son, john lee hooker jr. who is playing beale street, as stated in the pollstar link you reference. you might want to correct that.
This absolutely aweful tour will be closing the
festival out on 5/3
Fall Out Boy, Cobra Starship, All Time Low,
Metro Station, Hey Monday
http://www.friendsorenemies.com/web/foe/ce/believersneverdie
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