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Jonathan Mayers, co-founder of Outside Lands and Bonnaroo, dead at 51

BBG News

Jonathan Mayers, a pioneering figure in the world of live music who co-created the innovative festivals Outside Lands and Bonnaroo, as well as the company Superfly Entertainment, has tragically passed away at the age of 51.

Previous associates of Mayers at Superfly conveyed a message to Billboard: “We are deeply saddened by Jonathan’s demise. He was an adored piece of Superfly’s tale, interwoven into its past and future. Besides the part he played in bringing happiness to countless people, we will miss his quick-witted humor, captivating smile, and infectious laughter. There was no one who could brighten a room quite like Jon.

They did not give a cause of death.

Music

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The significant music festivals led by Mayer played a crucial role in bringing about the contemporary age of American music events. With their unique blend of jam-band style and diverse preferences for pop, electronic, hip-hop, and rock genres, these relaxed yet carefully planned events drew inspiration from iconic shows like Woodstock and Lollapalooza to establish themselves as defining cultural elements in the burgeoning U.S. festival scene during the 2000s.

Following his graduation from Tulane University and becoming captivated by New Orleans’ vibrant jazz culture, Mayers established Superfly Entertainment in partnership with another individual in 1996. In 2002, six years later, the company organized the inaugural Bonnaroo event on a farm site approximately an hour from Nashville. The festival featured high-profile headliners like Trey Anastasio of Phish, Phil Lesh and Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, which helped cement its image as a psychedelic, freewheeling gathering.

The initial year of this event saw it sell out completely and establish itself as a notable stop during the seasonal festival tour. It gained fame for its unique “superjam” collaborations among leading artists, which featured extraordinary performances such as D’Angelo’s long-awaited comeback on live stages and the Beastie Boys’ farewell show. Notable headliners included Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Metallica, along with many others. In 2015, Live Nation secured a significant share in the ownership of the festival.

In 2008, he collaborated with local promoter Another Planet Entertainment to establish Outside Lands in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. This was another ambitious, genre-blending music festival that eventually gained recognition comparable to Coachella in Northern California. Representatives from Another Planet Entertainment described him as “a shining beacon, constantly proposing innovative and creative ideas within the entertainment industry.” They added, “He was a visionary who played a significant role in the creation and spirit of Outside Lands. Everyone at Another Planet will deeply miss him.

Music

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Among Mayer’s notable events were Vegoose in Las Vegas and Clusterfest, a combination of comedy and film festivals.

2021 marked the end of Mayers’ tenure at Superfly, following a challenging phase with its founders. In the beginning of 2022, Mayers filed a lawsuit against the company’s executives, alleging civil deception, contract violation, and fraud. However, this lawsuit was dismissed in 2023 by a judge.

His latest venture focused on revitalizing Detroit, a city renowned for its R&B and electronic music scene, by providing funding for residential properties and cultural centers.

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2025-06-10 22:31

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