Bonnaroo Co-Founder Jonathan Mayers Passes Away at 51

MANHATTAN, N.Y. — Jonathan Mayers, a concert promoter and co-founder of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, has died at the age of 51. The cause of death has not been disclosed. His passing comes just days before the festival is set to take place from June 12 to June 15, featuring headliner Luke Combs.

Mayers, a native of New York City, co-founded Superfly Presents in 1996 with Kerry Black, Rick Farman, and Richard Goodstone. The company became known for organizing significant events, including Bonnaroo and the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in San Francisco.

His career in concert promotion started with an iconic venue in New Orleans, Tipitina’s, and he was involved in the city’s Jazz Fest. Superfly’s first concert featured well-known acts like the Meters and Maceo Parker during Mardi Gras.

In 2002, Mayers collaborated with AC Entertainment’s Ashley Caps, Paradigm agent Chip Hooper, and Red Light manager Coran Capshaw to launch Bonnaroo. The festival has grown significantly over the years, drawing crowds of over 70,000 and hosting legendary headliners.

Bonnaroo set the standard for modern music festivals, paving the way for events such as Vegoose and Outside Lands. In 2017, he worked with Viacom and Comedy Central on the comedy festival Clusterfest, featuring well-known comedians such as Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer.

Despite leaving Superfly in August 2021 following a breach of contract lawsuit against his former partners, Mayers continued working on projects such as Core City Detroit, which aimed to revitalize the inner city through entertainment and music.

His friend, Peter Shapiro, remembered Mayers as a visionary in creating innovative music experiences. “He believed in doing something new and exciting,” Shapiro told The Hollywood Reporter.

Another Planet Entertainment described him as a “bright light” in the entertainment industry. He will be missed by colleagues and fans alike.