Jonathan Mayers, Bonnaroo & Outside Lands Founder Dies
- Jonathan Mayers, a key figure in the creation of influential music festivals such as Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, has died.
- After graduating from Tulane University in 1995,mayers became involved in the New Orleans music scene,working at Tipitina’s and Jazz Fest.
- In 2002, Mayers and Superfly launched the inaugural Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tenn.
Jonathan mayers,the visionary co-founder of Bonnaroo and Outside Lands,has passed away at 51,leaving an indelible mark on the music festival landscape. his innovative approach revolutionized the concert experience, creating impactful events that brought communities together. Mayers’ early work in establishing these festivals, as well as his subsequent ventures into immersive fan experiences, demonstrated his dedication to entertainment. News Directory 3 reports on Mayers’ legacy and impact. His shift to community-focused projects, like Core City Detroit, signals an ongoing commitment to supporting artists. Discover what’s next for his initiatives and how they’ll continue to shape the future.
Jonathan Mayers, Bonnaroo Co-Founder, Dies at 51
Updated June 16, 2025
Jonathan Mayers, a key figure in the creation of influential music festivals such as Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, has died. He was 51. His death was confirmed by Billboard and a representative for Bonnaroo.
After graduating from Tulane University in 1995,mayers became involved in the New Orleans music scene,working at Tipitina’s and Jazz Fest. In 1996, he co-founded Superfly Entertainment with Rick Farman, Richard Goodstone, and Kerry Black.Their first major event featured The Meters, Maceo Parker, and Rebirth Brass Band during mardi Gras.
In 2002, Mayers and Superfly launched the inaugural Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tenn. The festival,held on a farm outside Nashville,featured headliners like Trey Anastasio and Phil Lesh & Bob Weir. Partnering with Ashley Capps of AC Entertainment, Chip Hooper of Paradigm Talent Agency, and Coran Capshaw of Red Light Management, the first Bonnaroo sold out, establishing itself as a major annual event.Bonnaroo’s success reshaped the landscape of American music festivals.
Superfly later launched Vegoose, a Halloween music festival in Las Vegas in 2005. In 2008, Mayers partnered with Another Planet Entertainment to create Outside Lands in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. This multi-genre festival became the largest independently owned music festival in the U.S.
Beyond music, Mayers created immersive fan experiences based on popular TV shows like Friends and Seinfeld, recreating sets in various cities.
Mayers’ tenure at Superfly ended in August 2021. A subsequent lawsuit against his former partners was dismissed in 2023. he then shifted his focus to Core City Detroit, a project aimed at developing a music campus for local artists.
What’s next
Core City detroit is expected to continue growth, providing a space for local artists and public events, honoring Mayers’ commitment to the music community.