Pandemic projects and virtual concerts were once salve for our aching hearts, but the time has come for us to indulge in the sonic eminence of in-person festivals. After a year of sweeping cancellations, festivals are in full tilt towards their opening days and the nation gears up for its mosh pit debut. For those who snagged tickets for Bonnaroo’s farm this year, the lineup just underwent a few revisions as Janelle Monáe, Lana Del Rey, and other hotly-anticipated artists have pulled out of their sets.
To Instagram, the festival announced, “Unfortunately Lana Del Rey, Janelle Monáe and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard will no longer be able to join us on The Farm this fall.” Although fans will miss Del Rey’s croons of baroque pop and Monáe’s psychedelic soul stylings, luckily the bill welcomes new additions. The statement continued, “And now for the good news: RÜFÜS DU SOL and Khruangbin have been added and are ready to bring the good vibes to Centeroo.”
Monáe was set to perform on Friday, September 3, King Gizzard was to perform on Saturday, September 4, and Del Rey was set to headline alongside Tyler, The Creator, on Sunday, September 5. As of late, we aren’t quite sure the reason for the artists’ departure, but it could point to some of their recent ventures. Del Rey delayed the release of her second album Blue Bannisters, previously slated for a July 4 debut and Monae’ has scored a role in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out 2.
And if you’re frantically wondering if you should try to process a refund, don’t fret. The festival’s 20th anniversary still touts the perfect lineup to quench our musical thirsts: Megan Thee Stallion, Lizzo, Foo Fighters, Tyler, the Creator, Tame Impala and Jack Harlow to name a few. The countdown (55 days to be precise) is officially for the four-day festival taking place from September 2–5, 2021 in Manchester, Tennessee.
