Jonathan Mayers Death: Bonnaroo & Outside Lands Founder
- jonathan Mayers, a co-founder of Superfly Entertainment and a key figure behind major music festivals like Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, has died.
- Mayers, along with Kerry Black, Rick Farman, and Richard Goodstone, established Superfly Entertainment in 1996.he collaborated with Ashley Capps, Chip Hooper, and Coran Capshaw to launch the inaugural...
- Outside Lands has featured headliners such as Radiohead, Tom Petty, and Jack Johnson in its first year, and later Muse, Neil Young, Phish, Metallica, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder,...
The music world mourns the loss of Jonathan Mayers, co-founder of Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, whose dynamic vision revolutionized the festival scene. Alongside founding Superfly Entertainment, Mayers’ impact on modern live music is undeniable. He launched the cornerstone Bonnaroo in 2002 and Outside Lands in 2008, showcasing a knack for identifying and curating world-class talent such as Radiohead, Neil Young, and SZA. The primary_keyword, the future of music festivals, now honors his legacy. News Directory 3 covers the news as Mayers’ influence extends beyond the stages. Discover what’s next for the live music scene.
Bonnaroo and Outside Lands Co-Founder Jonathan Mayers Dies
Updated June 10, 2025
jonathan Mayers, a co-founder of Superfly Entertainment and a key figure behind major music festivals like Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, has died. the cause of death has not been released.Mayers’ role in shaping the modern music festival landscape is widely recognized.
Mayers, along with Kerry Black, Rick Farman, and Richard Goodstone, established Superfly Entertainment in 1996.he collaborated with Ashley Capps, Chip Hooper, and Coran Capshaw to launch the inaugural Bonnaroo Music and arts Festival in 2002. The Bonnaroo festival quickly became a staple, and Mayers and Superfly then co-founded Outside Lands in 2008.
Outside Lands has featured headliners such as Radiohead, Tom Petty, and Jack Johnson in its first year, and later Muse, Neil Young, Phish, Metallica, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Nine Inch Nails, SZA, Kendrick Lamar and Sabrina Carpenter. This year’s Outside lands is set to include Doja Cat, Tyler, The Creator, and Hozier.
Mayers’ tenure with Superfly Entertainment ended in 2021 amid internal disputes during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was terminated in August 2021 and afterward filed a lawsuit against the company, which was dismissed in 2023.
Another Planet Entertainment, a co-founder of Outside Lands, released a statement regarding Mayers’ death: “Jonathan was a bright light, always pushing new and creative ideas in the entertainment space. He was a visionary who was integral in the founding and the spirit of Outside Lands. Everyone in the Another Planet family will miss him dearly.”
“Jonathan was one of the true real visionaries of the modern concert world and one of the core minds behind Bonnaroo. Modern-day festivals are all in some way built off of his vision.”
What’s next
The future of music festivals will undoubtedly reflect Mayers’ innovative spirit, as his contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry. The upcoming Bonnaroo festival and Outside Lands will likely serve as tributes to his vision and influence on the live music scene.