Jonathan Mayers, the influential concert promoter known for co-founding major music festivals like Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, has passed away at the age of 51. The cause of his death is currently unknown. This news comes just ahead of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, which is set to take place from June 12 to June 15, featuring headliner Luke Combs.
Mayers, a New York City native, co-founded Superfly Presents with Kerry Black, Rick Farman, and Richard Goodstone in 1996. The company became a powerhouse in the event industry, launching Bonnaroo in 2002 and the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival alongside Another Planet Entertainment. Bonnaroo has grown to become a template for modern music festivals, consistently attracting over 70,000 attendees.
Before his venture with Superfly, Mayers gained experience working in New Orleans at the renowned Tipitina’s and during the Jazz Fest. Superfly’s first concert took place during Mardi Gras, featuring performances by the Meters, Maceo Parker, and Rebirth Brass Band.
Mayers was instrumental in the establishment of the Vegoose festival in Las Vegas in 2005 and later partnered with Another Planet to create Outside Lands in the iconic Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Additionally, he launched the Clusterfest comedy festival in 2017, collaborating with Viacom and Comedy Central, which featured high-profile comedians like Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer.
His creative flair was evident in his approach to festival experiences, incorporating recreations of famous TV sets like those from Seinfeld and Friends to deepen fan engagement. After leaving Superfly in 2021, Mayers focused on the Core City Detroit project, aimed at revitalizing the inner city by creating a music campus for public entertainment.
Friends and colleagues remember Mayers as a visionary. Peter Shapiro, founder of Dayglo Presents, praised him for his courage in exploring new ideas in the music scene, saying he was instrumental in creating innovative festivals that left a lasting impact on fans and the industry alike. Another Planet Entertainment reflected on his legacy, acknowledging his bright ideas and the void his absence will leave in the entertainment world.
Mayers’ contributions to music festivals and his commitment to creativity resonate strongly, inspiring many in the music and entertainment industries. His legacy may live on through the countless festivals and events he helped create, shaping the experiences of generations of fans and artists alike.