The music industry is mourning the loss of Jonathan Mayers, co-founder of Superfly Entertainment and a key figure in the creation of iconic music festivals like Bonnaroo and Outside Lands. Mayers passed away at the age of 51; the cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Mayers' influence on the festival landscape is undeniable. Coran Capshaw, founder of Red Light Management, expressed the industry's sentiment, stating, "Jon was the creative force behind so much of what people experience at Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, and many other events over the years. We’re all really going to miss him.”
Early Career and Superfly's Formation
Born near New York City, Mayers' passion for music led him to Tulane University in New Orleans. His early experiences at Tipitina’s and the New Orleans Jazz Fest ignited his career. In 1996, Mayers, alongside Rick Farman, Richard Goodstone, and Kerry Black, established Superfly Presents. Their inaugural concert featured the Meters, Maceo Parker, and Rebirth Brass Band during Mardi Gras, setting the stage for future successes.
Bonnaroo's Impact and Legacy
In 2002, Superfly launched the first Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee. Partnering with Ashley Capps of AC Entertainment, Chip Hooper of Paradigm, and Coran Capshaw of Red Light, they curated a lineup headlined by acts like Trey Anastasio (Phish) and members of the Grateful Dead. Bonnaroo quickly became a phenomenon, drawing over 70,000 attendees and setting a new standard for music festivals worldwide.
Expanding the Festival Footprint
Following Bonnaroo's success, Superfly launched Vegoose in Las Vegas in 2005 and partnered with Another Planet Entertainment to create Outside Lands in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. In 2017, Mayers collaborated with Viacom and Comedy Central to produce Clusterfest, a comedy festival featuring renowned comedians like Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, and Jon Stewart.
- Co-founded Superfly Entertainment in 1996
- Co-created Bonnaroo and Outside Lands music festivals
- Launched Vegoose festival in Las Vegas
Jonathan Mayers' contribution to the music industry will be remembered through the innovative and immersive experiences he brought to life for music fans across the country. His legacy lives on through the enduring success of the festivals he helped create.