2016 Bonnaroo Lineup Rumors

Every winter, as the year winds down, we look forward to the holidays and owieegin our Bonnaroo speculation, in anticipation of our favorite fest’s official lineup announcement. While the annual event, which takes place June 9-12 in nearby Manchester, TN, is still six months away, the 2016 pre-sale launched the day after Thanksgiving, and early bird options promptly sold out. If last year’s pattern holds true, we should expect to see the entire lineup drop in January, with tickets back on sale soon after. In the month or so interim, we’ll be working hard to keep you up to date on the latest Roo-mers, speculation, Roo elues, and more. Bear in mind, this is Bonnaroo’s 15h anniversary, and we’re betting on one giant celebration.

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of acts, categorized by likelihood (or unlikeliness), which will be constantly updated. Feel free to chime in in in the comments to let us know who we’ve missed, what we got wrong or right, and to let us know who you’d like to see at Bonnaroo 2016!

NOT LIKELY/IMPOSSIBLE

While being able to tell conclusively who will be making an appearance on the farm can be a tricky task, ruling artists out tends to be much easier. These are the bands who, due to scheduling conflicts or various other circumstances, stand very little chance of winding up on the bill.

AC/DC snagged a Coachella headlining slot last year, and seemed to be a favored for ‘Roo this summer. However, dates in the UK over Bonnaroo weekend make them very unlikely, unless they’re up for a lot of international air travel (the lack of Tennessee on their U.S. spring run definitely stings though).
Bonnaroo vet Action Bronson is due for a return, but his like of dates stateside and performance in Norway makes this year seem less likely. He could conceivably stop by ‘Roo before heading to Europe though, so don’t give up hope entirely.
If you are dying to see Adele you’d better snag tickets to her upcoming North American arena tour, because she’ll be in Europe during Bonnaroo.
We’re filing Alabama Shakes under “not likely” simply because they played last year, but repeat outings aren’t unheard of, and they are slated to play Forecastle Fest, which, like Bonnaroo, is booked by AC Entertainment.
The Avett Brothers are playing Nashville on May 6 and again at Forecastle in July, which leads us to believe they fail the radius requirement, but the tour that will have them in St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of Roo pretty much seals the deal, unless they turn up for a closing night set.
Though she’d be a great fit, Azalea Banks‘ recent tour cancellations, legal troubles, and public controversies make her an unlikely candidate for the summer festival circuit.
Bassnectar just played, so a repeat seems less probable, however his spring tour schedule does leave open the possibility.
Beach House play Field Day in London on June 12, though it wouldn’t be totally impossible for them to stop off at ‘Roo before they depart.
As much as we’d love to see Big Sean at Bonnaroo, his European tour with Rihanna likely knocks him out of the running.
It’s a real shame that Black Sabbath will be in the UK for Download Fest, because this summer is allegedly their last tour ever.
Though they could conceivably make it for the final day, Blitzen Trapper seem busy with a festival in Wisconsin.
Bonnie Raitt will be on tour in Europe, all but counting her out.
Despite announcing what sounded like a hiatus at their recent show in Nashville, Brand New have just plotted a tour of Canada. The timing makes a Manchester stop seem unlikely.
Coldplay are on tour in Europe.
Sadly, David Bowie lost a battle with cancer days after his 69th birthday and the release of his new album. He never played Bonnaroo.
We would kill to see Deftones at Bonnaroo, but their slot at Download Fest in the UK makes it seem very unlikely this time.
While not officially announced, it is presumed that Disclosure will play Wild Life Fest, which they co-founded, that weekend in the UK.
Faithless will be in England, making them an unlikely choice for Bonnroo’s electronic slate.
Gary Clark Jr. is a festival darling who continues to generate a deservingly sensational amount of buzz. However, given that he performed last year, and has already been announced for Forecastle this year, it seems like he might get a year off from the farm.
Guns N’ Roses are reportedly a headlining act at Coachella, which makes them very unlikely to turn Roo into Paradise City.
Though a perfect undercard act choice, Half Moon Run will be overseas during Bonnaroo.
As much as we’d kill to see Iggy Pop and/or The Stooges return to ‘Roo, a spot at Isle of Wight makes it seem pretty unlikely.
Iron Maiden would slay on the Farm, but thanks to Download Fest in the UK, this isn’t likely to be the year.
According to the New York Times, LCD Soundsystem is set to headline Coachella this year as well, which makes an appearance at the farm unlikely.
Though Robert Plant wowed last year and performed a ton of Led Zeppelin covers, and there still seems to be plenty of speculation surrounding a possible reunion, it still doesn’t seem likely that Page and Plant are going to get on the same page again this year. Jason Bonham is holding out hope, though.
Following Slayer’s epic 2015 set with another big four band would rule, but don’t count on Megadeth: they’re out of the country.
They made numerous festival appearances in 2015, and would be a natural fit for Bonnaroo’s metal grab, but Motorhead will be overseas for Download Fest.
Mumford & Sons are still touring, including a radius clause-violating date at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, but it is unlikely they return to the farm in back to back years.
Muse will be in Europe during Bonnaroo.
Though hoping a flight overseas wouldn’t be impossible, Queen + Adam Lambert will be busy Bonnaroo weekend headlining the Isle of Wight Fest.
Neil Young is surely a Bonnaroo favorite, but will be in the UK during the fest.
Nightwish will be in the UK on ‘Roo weekend.
If you were hoping to see German metal group Rammstein in a late night slot, you’re likely going to have to keep waiting.
If anyone was hoping for a Red Hot Chili Peppers return to the Farm in 2016, don’t hold your breath, as they are confirmed for Pinkpop in the Netherlands.
Rihanna, who plays Nashville on March 18, leaves for her European tour during Bonnaroo. Of course, it’s possible for her to stop in Manchester on the way, but we’d bet against it.
Royal Blood threw us last year by making it to the farm despite starting a run with the Foo Fighters the following day. It seems unlikely that the rock duo would return for two years in a row, especially since they’re busy working on a new record.
Rudimental are mostly overseas this summer, and will most likely return to their own Wild Life Fest on ‘Roo weekend.
Spoon have been on the road almost nonstop for a year and a half in support of their latest record, including an outing at the farm last year. We’d put our money (or at least our hopes) that they are going to spend some time in the studio in 2016.
Along with Queen and Faithless, Stereophonics will have their hands full headlining Isle of Wight.
twenty one pilots have a couple of holes in a fairly packed tour schedule over Roo, but back to back years seems unlikely, plus their Nashville date just violates the radius clause.
The War On Drugs just spent 18 months on tour, and played Bonnaroo last year. It sounds like they are going to take it easy in 2016, and will likely be working on their major label debut.
The Weeknd will be an amazing fit, but he’ll be gearing up for a European tour with Rihanna. It’s not impossible, but also not as likely.

SOMEWHAT LIKELY/POSSIBLE

These are the artists who, through social media hints, insider buzz, tour schedule analysis, promotional timing, festival history, and additional factors, we believe stand a decent chance of appearing on the farm in 2015.

2 Chainz has never played Bonnaroo, and has long been on hip hop fans’ wish lists. Nothing specifically suggests whether he’ll be performing summer shows, but he’s done festivals before, and timing-wise is due for new music and live dates.
Judging by his schedule, Albert Hammond Jr. seems to be poised to line up summer fests in the U.S. If not solo, then perhaps with The Strokes.
Canada’s Alvvays wowed us this summer at Forecastle, and are a perfect fit for ‘Roo’s rising indie rocker sensibilities. Their schedule currently looks wide open.
Andrew Bird‘s March 30 show at The Ryman narrowly escapes Bonnaroo’s radius clause, and he’s free after a spring run of shows, making him a strong contender.
Though they’re headed to Europe just days after, thrash metal pioneers Anthrax would definitely continue Bonnaroo’s trend of including beloved classic metal bands. Their January show at AC-backed Marathon Music Works only fuels this possibility.
With The Black Keys’ Bonnaroo history, Dan Auerbach’s latest project The Arcs seem like a strong contender, especially given how hard of a press push their debut album is getting.
A$AP Rocky has dropped a new album since his last Bonnaroo outing, and is slated to play Firefly, with a hole wide open in the weeks before.
It’s crazy how little press At the Drive-In‘s 2016 reunion announcement has gotten so far. The seminal post-hardcore band will play Rock the Range in May, and considering it’s their first show in four years (and they originally broke up in 2001), there’s no way it’ll be limited to a one-off. Coachella and Lollapalooza seem a safer bet, but considering Roo got skipped during their last run, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
They’re currently only playing Hangout and Firefly, but since Atlas Genius are clearly game for summer fests, we wouldn’t be surprised to see them on the farm.
While buzzy UK hardcore/punk group Basement aren’t your typical Bonnaroo band, the fest has a history of snagging similar acts like Deafheaven in recent years. The buzz surrounding their new LP makes them a big wish list band for us; let’s hope they’re on the Roo Gods’ radar.
Best Coast have had a very successful run of shows in support of their stellar new record, California Nights. Their summer touring schedule isn’t clear yet, but some major festival slots are expected.
After a successful outing in 2012, it looks Big Gigantic may be poised to return, especially since they’re slated for Forecastle the following month.
The Black Lips have replaced guitarist Ian St. Pé with former member Jack Hines, and this has us excited for another run of shows soon- could a return to ‘Roo be in the cards?
Despite mixed singles from mastermind Justin Vernon, Bon Iver seem to be slowly roaring back to life.
Boy & Bear are set to play Firefly, following a busy spring overseas. Surely more American fests will be added as well.
Killers frontman Brandon Flowers has been playing out solo a lot lately, and has shown a willingness to book festival appearances.
While The Gaslight Anthem are on hiatus, singer Brian Fallon is gearing up to release his first solo full-length, and has already announced a January tour. Summer fests seem like the logical next step.
Often speculated for Bonnaroo, the Brian Jonestown Massacre‘s performance plans are hard to predict. They have at least one other festival on the books so far though.
Bruce Springsteen is on the road this spring, but, based on his current routing, we’re not sure if he plans will extend to summer. The Boss last played ‘Roo in ’09, fingers crossed this summer will mark his return.
Brian Wilson is performing Pet Sounds at Levitation Fest in Austin in the spring. Let’s keep our fingers crossed he doesn’t just go to the trouble for a one-off.
With spring dates lineup up on the west coast and overseas, adding festival dates wouldn’t be out of the question for for indie rockers Built to Spill.
It’s unclear if his spot at Hangout Fest makes him more or less likely to appear, but Calvin Harris would definitely be a good choice to fill Bonnaroo’s high-billed EDM slot.
The Cure have announced a North American tour which really only leaves Sunday night open, so there’s a chance.
Damien Jurado is set to release Visions Of Us On The Land on March 18, and currently has a European tour booked through May. A North American tour in support is sure to follow, and could be routed to include a spot at the farm.
Dave Matthews Band reportedly have a new record that is ready to drop in 2016, and, other than a single tour date around the Super Bowl in San Francisco this Feb., they haven’t announced any 2016 shows.
While it isn’t likely that Pink Floyd will reunite, David Gilmour has been performing nonstop of late, and a Sunday legacy slot wouldn’t be out of the question.
It was reported that Bonnaroo pushed hard for a 50th Anniversary Grateful Dead set last summer. That didn’t happen, but it would definitely make sense to get the heavily touring Dead & Company (featuring John Mayer helming the guitar).
The Dead Weather have a great new record out, though their individual commitments are keeping them from announcing a proper tour. They don’t send outright opposed to playing live though, so maybe the biggest festival in the region could pull them out for their first show in seven years. A return to the farm for Jack White could also manifest the much anticipated White helmed Superjam that folks have been clamoring for.
After an increasingly active 2015, Death From Above 1979 seemed poised to do anther festival lap next summer, and have already announced at least one date.
Dr. Dog are planning an early 2016 offiical release of their first record, 2000’s Psychedelic Swamp, and they have already been tapped to appear at Forecastle this year. It’s looking like a big year for the Philly rockers, and we wouldn’t be surprised if they got a nod at Roo as well.
Foo Fighters have had a pretty strong showing in 2015. On the heels of the success of their Sonic Highways album and corresponding HBO documentary, and another just released EP, St. Cecilia, they are reportedly set to release another full length in 2016, making them a strong candidate to fill in the tour schedule with a number of festivals they didn’t hit in 2015. Here’s to hoping Grohl will be healed from the broken leg that hampered his stage presence for a large part of his last tour, and the shot that we could get the first ever ‘Roo performance for the beloved alt rockers.
Skrillex and Diplo supergroup Jack Ü would provide crossover appeal, in addition to satisfying the EDM crowd. Their schedule seems clear, despite a busy summer.
Kid Cudi just dropped a new record, Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven, and is assumed to be touring heavily in 2016 in support.
Kings Of Leon are slated to perform at Firefly Music Festival in Dover, DE the weekend after ‘Roo, and given they are Nashville based it’s not out of the question to think they could make their 4th Bonnaroo appearance, and first since 2010, in 2016.
Kurt Vile is coming off of the release of another stellar album, b’lieve i’m goin down, and seems highly likely for a ‘Roo return after an overseas run in the spring.
How has Lorde not found her way onto the ‘Roo schedule in recent years? With a new record in the works, summer fests seem pretty likely.
Lana Del Rey released a new album, Honeymoon, in 2015. So far, she’s only announced a summer fest in Russia, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see more events pop up stateside.
M. Ward is dropping his 8th solo album in March, and will surely tour in support. The only question is, will routing bring him back for his first performance at Roo since 2005?
Matt and Kim dropped a new record last year, and have so far announced some overseas spring dates. They’re due for a ‘Roo return, however, and recently played AC-run Marathon Music Works.
Metallica last played Bonnaroo in 2008, and completely killed it. There’s no specific evidence to think that this is the year they return, but there also isn’t anything competing.
The National have a smattering of tour dates listed for 2016, and the only one that’s not overseas is during Bonnaroo. It certainly wouldn’t be impossible for them to return.
No Doubt have a new record in the works, and have become dependable festival favorites in recent years. Could this be the summer they finally find their way to Bonnaroo?
Parquet Courts are touring this winter in the US, but don’t have any dates past Marfa Myths in March. We’d also expect a new album for the Brooklyn rockers as a follow up to their well received 2014 releases Sunbathing Animal and Content Nausea.
Rebelution have been busy touring as of late, and a reggae-fied afternoon session is always a good fit for the farm.
Skrillex has been lining up dates solo, and also with super-collab Jack Ü. Either one would be a killer choice.
Sleigh Bells just dropped a new track, which would seemingly indicate a long-overdue new record and run of comeback shows around summer.
Sufjan Stevens has been touring in support of his stellar new record, Carrie And Lowell, and has a wide open schedule for summer events.
Ever prolific, Thee Oh Sees just dropped a new single, and are making a run through Austin’s SXSW this year. Evidence suggest a new album, which would correspond nicely to a set at Roo in 2016.
During their Reddit AMA, Bonnaroo organizers stated “U2 would be incredible… working on it.” This seems like a tall order to add to the Somewhat Likely / Possible category, but we would hate to pooh-pooh what would be one of the most epic grabs in festival history. The band’s 2016 plans aren’t immediately clear, however.
The Violent Femmes are about to drop their first full length in 15 years. For those keeping score, that would be the same number of years since the first Bonnaroo, and we wouldn’t be surprised if they won’t announce their supporting tour until the official Bonnaroo lineup drops.
The Who are touring in support of their 50th Anniversary in 2016, and the only other semi-southeastern date announced thus far is in March in Louisville. Their tour is currently routed through May 29 in Las Vegas, making them at least a possibility for the legacy slot.
Wilco has an string of European dates starting a few days after Roo, but, otherwise, there is a great big ol’ hole in their tour schedule which could mean a spot in support of their new record, Star Wars.
Yeasayer just teased a clip of new music at their website, and it seems likely that this is going to mean the first new music from the electro pop outfit since 2012’s Fragrant World. If this happens in early 2016, a massive tour seems likely, and a stop at the Farm would fit perfectly.

EXTREMELY LIKELY/PROBABLE

These are the artists who, through social media hints, insider buzz, olur schedule analysis, promotional timing, festival history, and additional factors, we believe stand an incredibly strong chance of appearing the farm in 2015.

The 1975, who drop a new album in February, are touring Europe in the spring, and there’s hints that a U.S. tour announcement is right around the corner. They’re also confirmed for Firefly, and well as several overseas fests later in the summer.
Animal Collective just released a new record, Floridada, and they are currently listed as performers at a handful of other festivals in 2016. Despite a recently announced date at Marathon Music Works in Nashville on May 6, we expect any radius clauses to be lifted for them to return to the farm.
Band Of Horses reportedly have a new record ready to drop in 2016, and are long overdue for a return Roo. Our gut tells us this is a safe bet.
The Outkast reunion of a couple of years ago appears complete, but Big Boi has teamed up with Phantogram this year as Big Grams to drop a killer self-titled EP. There are only a few dates currently announced for these guys, but they seem utterly designed for festivals, so we’d bet hard that they’ll wind up at Roo.
With all of the buzz surrounding his debut LP, and a clear schedule following a spring run in Europe, newcomer BØRNS feels like a shoe-in for this type of fest.
Hometown rockers Bully have had a MASSIVE 2015, and are lining up festival appearances at nearby Hangout and Forecastle fests. They were literally the first band on the smallest stage at Bonnaroo 2014, so a return appearance with a better slot feels pretty inevitable next summer.
Though they just played ‘Roo in 2014, Nashville-based alt rockers Cage the Elephant are gearing up for a massive push in support of their new album Tell Me I’m Pretty, and with their close proximity and love for playing the Nashville area, it just makes sense that they’d be back on the bill this year.
Drake seemed like a shoe-in for last year, but ultimately landed at FedEx Arena in Memphis over ‘Roo. After playing nearly every festival in America last year, look for LiveNation to try to land him at the farm this year.
Ellie Goulding is supporting a new record, Delirium, and will have a string of dates in North America in 2016. A look at her tour schedule shows a hole that could easily be filled with a slot on Saturday or Sunday at ‘Roo, and the general consensus seems to be the she’s a shoe-in.
Grimes is touring in support of her highly-acclaimed new album, Art Angels, and will surely show up at a number of big summer festivals. We hope a ‘Roo debut is among them.
Griz reportedly told a fan on Inforoo that he is confirmed for Roo this year.
Haim will release their long-awaited new album next year, and are already lining up festival dates. A return to the Farm seems imminent.
Jenny Lewis is celebrating the 10th anniversary of her beloved collaboration with The Watson Twins, Rabbit Fur Coat , and is still riding high on the success of her most recent record, Voyager. Festival co-producer AC Entertainment has brought Jenny to a number of their venues and events over the past few years, including her upcoming sold out date at The Ryman in early 2016, and she hasn’t played Bonnaroo since 2009, making her a prime candidate for the Farm this summer.
Leon Bridges looks very nearly inevitable given his tour that is currently announced through June 9 in Louisville, and his recent outing at AC-run Marathon Music Works.
Modest Mouse dropped a new record in 2015, and landed slots at Forecastle, Sloss, and even played two dates in Nashville all under AC Entertainment promotion. Assuming the band continue to tour through 2016, a Bonnaroo spot seems probable.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats have a nice hole in their tour schedule, and have apparently hinted to fans that they’ll appear on the farm.
Robert Randolph has reportedly confirmed that he will be at Bonnaroo this year. Now, the question is what form will that come in? The Word? Robert Randolph & The Family Band? Superjam?
According to Griz, Shpongle will be on this year’s bill.
One Reddit thread is reporting that Tame Impala is pretty much a lock, and, given the success of their incredible 2015 release Currents, and the fact that they’re lining up other festivals, it seems highly likely.
Tool are finally releasing new music in 2016, and have a 16 date tour lined up already, including a Nashville stop on Jan. 23. Needless to say, this is outside of the radius clause, and a Bonnaroo announcement right after a Jan. 23 performance is certainly the right timing as not to screw up either of those dates.
There’s been buzz from all corners of the internet that Ween are confirmed, following a string of 2016 reunion dates.

UNKNOWN/HOPEFUL

These are artists who we can’t reasonably confirm, but, more importantly, can’t conclusively rule out for a spot at Bonnaroo. While some stand a strong chance of being upgraded in likelihood as we learn more, others could wind up just being wishful thinking.

Hip hop legends A Tribe Called Quest recently reunited to play The Tonight Show, and have come together sporadically in recent years. We don’t know for sure if they have anything planned for summer, but ‘Roo seems like a solid choice if they are.
Aerosmith don’t have any shows on the books, but they did a small run of North America earlier this year. While a solo Steven Tyler set might be more likely, they’re a good fit to fill the legacy act quota.
Alice Cooper plays London the following weekend, but could he stop by the farm for a return performance on the way? Hard to say.
While they’re a festival favorite and veterans of Bonnaroo, it’s unclear if indie rockers alt-j will be playing any shows next summer, as they work on a new album.
With just the right amount of crossover appeal, Andrew McMahon would be a fun fit for Bonnaroo, but we’re not sure if he’s going to be playing out as much after a busy 2015.
A late night Andrew W.K. performance is the type of stuff dreams are made of, and he always seems game for one-offs. If not this year, it seems bound to happen eventually.
Elusive producer Aphex Twin seems to top the wish lists of many, but his live activity is so sporadic that it’s pretty difficult to predict.
Arcade Fire would be a smart get to please the indie rock, younger-skewing side of the crowd, but they’re currently off-cycle. A new album may be in the mix for the Canadian outfit, but we’d bet more on a major 2017 release, and subsequent return to Roo.
Arctic Monkeys are currently on hiatus, but they decide to return in 2016, their history with Bonnaroo makes it at least a good possibility.
We don’t typically speculate on comedians, but given his long history with Bonnaroo, and the recent successes of his Netflix show, book, and new standup special, Aziz Ansari would make a lot of sense to help the fest celebrate its 15h year.
The B-52s still play regularly, and are even slated to hit Nashville early next year, but their tour plans are intermittent. How cool would a late night set be though?
After a high-profile run supporting The Weeknd, Banks might be catching a breather. Her Roo debut in 2014 was stunning though, and we’d love to see her return.
Beck certainly was a big draw for Forecastle Festival in 2014, and we were blown away by his set of mega-hits at The Ryman the week before. He teased us with a new single, “Dreams,” earlier this year, and that surely means we will have a follow up to his Grammy winner Morning Phase record in 2016, right?
Many Roo fans have clamored for Beyonce over the years, and she has been known to head up festivals from time to time, but nothing concretely suggests she’s destined to appear on the farm.
It’s been a minute since The Black Keys have played Bonnaroo. The band haven’t announced a new record, and Auerbach appears busy with The Arcs. Still, a set from the local duo at the farm this summer wouldn’t be completely out of the question.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are due for a new album, and if one materializes, we wouldn’t be surprised to see them make festival rounds.
Despite the departure of guitarist/vocalist Tom Delonge, pop punk pioneers Blink-182 are prepping to release a new album, with help from Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba. They might be a little out of left field for ‘Roo, but their inclusion at Firefly has us curious.
Bloc Party are back, and while they seem to be sticking to overseas shows so far, they do technically have Bonnaroo weekend clear.
Blur blew minds when they dropped their first album in 12 years last spring. They toured pretty heavily in support, and will very likely be on festival radars for this summer. If not Blur, Damon Albarn could show up in one of his other projects as well.
His last few albums haven’t resonated quite as much as his debut, but rapper B.o.B would be a good fit should he choose to make summer rounds.
Things have been pretty quiet for emo forefathers Braid after a short run over the summer. Could Bonnaroo jump onto the emo revival bandwagon?
Broken Social Scene have largely been on hiatus since 2011, but have popped up on some Canadian fests in recent years. It’s unclear whether they have plans for a full-scale comeback anytime soon.
Hip hop has become an important part of Bonnaroo’s DNA, and Busta Rhymes is one of the the internet’s most wished-for artists. With a new album on the way along with a recently-announced mixtape, it definitely feels possible.
Cake just played in 2014, but fest favorites that they are, there’s always a chance for a return.
Daft Punk are always a big hopeful, but whether or not they’re going to tour in 2016 is unclear, as is whether or not they’re even within Bonnaroo’s budget.
The Decemberists are always a good bet for festival lineups, but after a heavy run of shows in 2015, may end up taking a breather.
Though an outing with supergroup Jack Ü feels more likely, producer Diplo could always appear solo as well.
If not The National, we might get a taste of Matt Berninger’s El Vy side project, which released a new record in late 2015.
Eminem is still churning out quality material, and he absolutely destroyed at the farm in 2011. Though there is nothing to suggest a return in 2016, it would be appreciated.
Eric Clapton was supposedly almost confirmed for fest in 2014, and would certainly make for a nice Sunday night legacy act.
Faith No More clocked in a pretty lengthy tour in 2015, including festival dates at Bumbershoot and Riot Fest, but as of now, nothing has been announced for next year.
After clocking in a lengthy world tour in 2015, including a Nashville date, would Fleetwood Mac be the fit for Sunday at Roo?
An always fun festival bet, The Flaming Lips last played Roo in 2014. Is 2016 too soon for the Roo vets to return? It’s not out of the question, but we think the most likely setting would be with Miley Cyrus.
Frank Ocean played ‘Roo in 2014. Too soon to repeat? Possibly so, but an early 2016 release of his long-awaited follow up to channel ORANGE could change that.
We were convinced that we’d have a George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic late night set at Roo last year, but it amazingly didn’t materialize. There aren’t any 2016 dates announced yet, but we can dream, right?
There have been reports of a new Green Day record coming in 2016. The band are due for a big comeback, and would provide the right type of cross-generational appeal to fit in perfectly.
iLoveMakonnen made festival rounds last year, but it’s unclear if he’ll be lining up any dates for 2016.
Interpol toured heavily last year in support of El Pintor, but that tour didn’t line up for a long awaited ‘Roo appearance. It’s unclear if 2016 will see more shows, or a focus on new music.
Justin Timberlake is reportedly contemplating a country album. It seems like a stretch to imagine the pop sensation at ‘Roo, but he would be a big name draw.
The Lone Bellow are no strangers to the farm in the past few years. They haven’t announced their summer touring plans yet, but another stop at ‘Roo in some shape, form, or fashion, wouldn’t surprise us.
Madonna is currently circling the globe with her Rebel Heart tour, including a Jan. 18 date in Nashville. The tour runs through March 27 in Australia, so she’d be free, should she choose to line up any festivals.
Oasis have been split since 2009, but everyone keeps speculating that a reunion will eventually occur. In the meantime, Noel Gallagher continues touring with his High Flying Birds project.
Perfume Genius has been touring in support of his 2014 Matador release Too Bright. He was on the Coachella lineup last year, and it could be a good fit for Roo this year, however his touring plans are currently unclear.
Per usual, Phish have a number of dates on the books for early 2016, but they seem to be leaning towards organizing their own festivals. A long jam return to the Farm wouldn’t be out of the question though.
We heard rumblings two years ago about Prince nearly joining the ‘Roo lineup, and, hey, what festival wouldn’t want to have him? According to Bonnaroo’s Reddit AMA, they are still waiting for the purple one to return their call, and Prince being Prince, however, it’s hard to predict what he will or won’t agree to. He just cancelled a string of dates in Europe in light of the recent tragedy in Paris, but those were slated to be just Prince solo with a piano, which likely wouldn’t satisfy the ravenous crowds at Bonnaroo.
Radiohead have reportedly all but finished their 9th studio album, and guitarist Jonny Greenwood told a Russian radio station (and later tweeted to Consequence Of Sound) that the band HOPES to tour in 2016.
Once again, let’s just add The Rolling Stones to our wishlist on the off chance that this ever comes true!
Rush just finished a lengthy tour in support of their 40th anniversary, and despite rumors that drummer (and irreplaceable member) Neil Peart had retired, it sounds like the group will at least stay active in some capacity.
Sam Smith’s set was cut short at Forecastle this year due to a crazy pop up storm, and his Bonnaroo debut a couple years back occurred before he really had become a household name. He seems to be taking time off in 2016, but festivals are always a possibility.
Sigur Ros is set to launch a European tour the week after Bonnaroo. Could they be headlining a few American festivals before that?
Albert Hammond Jr. and Julian Casablancas have been touring hard on their side projects of late, but The Strokes did headline Austin City Limits last year and just performed Live Out Monterrey in Mexico this month. The mid afternoon Which Stage was built for this.
Swans have been on the road a lot in the past few years, and last played a stellar, if not under-attended, set at ‘Roo in 2013.
It’s only been a couple years since Tom Petty last played Roo, but, as of right now, the 65 year old legend has nothing on the agenda.
Willie Nelson has the legacy crossover appeal to play pretty much any festival that he wants. His summer plans have not been finalized yet, but we’re sure he will be touring.
Wu-Tang Clan destroyed in 2013, and their return is always a possibility. With so many members, it’s hard to predict their intermittent activity, however.

CONFIRMED/INEVITABLE

This list isn’t likely to start gaining entries until closer to the fest, when, through insider tips, Bonnaroo-curated clues, and more exhaustive research, we can tell with you the utmost certainty who is all but guaranteed to perform.

ROO CLUE #1: Blood Orange – if our guess is right, the buzzworthy English singer will make his ‘Roo debut.
ROO CLUE #7: Carrie Underwood – this might be our craziest Roo Clue guess yet, but if you follow our logic, it seems to fit.
ROO CLUE #9: Cashmere Cat – the Norwegian DJ seems pretty certain thanks to this pretty straightforward clue.
ROO CLUE #10: Death Cab for Cutie – for the last Roo Clue of the season, we’re pretty sure the fest is hinting at the return of a fan favorite.
ROO CLUE #3: Godspeed You! Black Emperor – while we’re less certain about this one than some of the other Roo Clues, we still thing Godspeed seem like a strong contender for this year’s fest.
ROO CLUE #8: Grace Potter – thanks to a pretty straightforward hint, we’re all but certain that Grace will bring her solo tour to the farm.
ROO CLUE #4: Lord Huron – thanks to the most straightforward Roo Clue yet, we’re all but certain that Lord Huron are finally back for their long-overdue return.
BONUS CLUE: Jason Isbell – the local favorite is lining up fests but has Bonnaroo weekend free, has played before, and is buzzier now than ever; consider him a lock.
ROO CLUE #6: Judas Priest – a very special Christmas clue has us very convinced that Judas Priest could be this year’s major metal act!
ROO CLUE #2: Lucius – it sounds like these festival vets are due back at the farm next summer.
Pearl Jam reportedly leaked their own appearance, the band’s first since ’08, with enough certainty that the broader music press reported it as fact. Bonnaroo will apparently “neither confirm or deny” the rumor, but it sounds inevitable.
ROO CLUE #5: Tyler, the Creator – based on our certainty in our solution for this Roo Clue, the Odd Future frontman seems like a lock for his first Bonnaroo ever!