It was tens of thousands of things for tens of thousands of people. Bonnaroo rose to epic proportions in its fifth year, with immense diverse lineups that rocked attendees all day and all through the night. Not since inward singing has non-stop rocking been possible.\nHighlights included a landmark performance by Radiohead, strong performances by legends Buddy Guy, Tom Petty and Elvis Costello, unique collaborations forming super groups, and dozens more jam, reggae, funk, hip-hop, international and indie-rock bands making their mark. For up to sixteen hours a day festival-goers had a plethora of musicians, comedians, artists, and shopping to keep them busy at what G.Love and the Special Sauce frontman called "The Party o the Year." \nThe scene was a slight change from years past where jam bands dominated the festival. Joel Cummins, keyboardist from \nBonnaroo mainstay Umphrey's Mcgee, welcomed the change.\n"It's always been a part of the scene," Cummins said of the addition of non-jam bands. "It's important to bring in freshness. It's just a bigger deal this year because it's the headliners."\nBonnaroo has traditionally showcased primarily jam bands, but Tom Petty and Radiohead drew the two biggest crowds through Saturday. All day and night, bands competed with up to four or five others for an audience's attention, but giving Petty and Radiohead uncontested stage time proved wise. \nFor Petty's set, masses of fans filled up almost every inch of the enormous venue, pushing practically all the way back to the security checkpoint. The heartland boy had a well received show full of classic hits, "Last Dance with Mary Jane," "Free Falling," "American Girl" and countless others.\n"Tom Petty is great," said fan Scott Kampmeyer. "He's one of those guys that could play for three hours and you'd know every song." \nWhile Jam bands aren't the focus anymore, they still have a major presence at Bonnaroo. A super jam Saturday night and into Sunday morning brought together members from Phish and The Grateful Dead, the unquestionable pioneers of jam music. Those not too exhausted from all day rocking were treated to Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon of Phish in addition to Phil Lesh from the Dead. Moe, Phil Lesh and Friends, Medeski, Martin and Wood were among the big name jam bands making their presence felt. \nContinuing their perfect attendance at Bonnaroo was Umphrey's McGee, who put on a spectacular midnight show, with a seamless handoff to fellow jam-band the Disco Biscuits. The two shared the midnight to four a.m. time slot Friday night, coming together for a memorable four song set of covers. The pairing sounded like old friends singing along to the car stereo as they belted out classic rock staples. "Baby You're a Rich Man," by the Beatles was followed by Pink Floyd's epics "Another Brick in the Wall," "Brain Damage," and "Eclipse"\nCover songs gave a further indication of the influences of the bands and allowed fans to hear classics given a new spin. Nickel Creek's well received, blue-grass set was interjected with a version of Radiohead's "Nice Dream," sounding great with a male and female voice harmonizing. \nBeck paid omage to Radiohead with a quick acoustic version of "Creep." It was the first single from Radiohead, which came out in 1994, the same year as Beck's "Loser." Though it's preposterous to think now, the two songs temporarily pigeon-holed the two acts into nineties one-hit wonders, instead of what they've become, two of the most prolific artists of the last decade. \nBeck put on a show in every sense of the word. A minature set with puppets clad in the same clothes as the band mimicked every movement of the band as Beck rocked his half acoustic, half funky incredibly funny, rocking set. Halfway into the set the band sat down at a table on stage and ate dinner, waiter and all, as Beck played acoustic songs from "Sea Change." As the band wrapped up, they used their cups and silverware like kids around a table at camp, banging in perfect percussion. The puppets even ate dinner and banged away as they were displayed proudly on monitors that showed a hilarious video the band had prepared. Comedy aside, the show rocked out for an audience stirring with excitement for the upcoming Radiohead show. \nDozens more favorites put on memorable shows in the non-stop rocking festival. Oysterhead's collaboration of Trey Anastacio from Phish, Stewart Copeland from The Police, and bassist Les Claypool getting rave reviews. Dacning was prevalent throughout Robert Randolph's slide guitar set, and though Death Cab for Cutie gave indie-rock fans their fill of hits, many sat down for the solid set. Damian Marley rocked one stage with his own well received songs and a few covers of his dad as Beck rocked the stage nearby. Buddy Guy had people of all ages getting down to his legendary blues, and growing fan favorite Matisyahu put on two sets that had people "l'chaim-ing" like there was no tomorrow.\nWhile the show was a chance to see some old favorites, it was a big chance to see new ones. Devotchka and Cat Empire kept coming up as surprising break out acts. Devotchka's violin-filled gypsy rock had fans making interesting claims. One fan loved the way they captured the crowds attention.\n"It's the happiest evil polka ever," said fan Jen Powers. "They have good stage presence and they're sweet." \nCat Empire's funky, horn section and rocking set had them hailed as the surprise of Thursday evenings shows. dios (malos) was another break out act from the first night of shows. The singer's voice floated above the rocking band and wild-eyed drummer. \nPerformers saw the festival as a way to check out other acts as well. Robert Randolph was one of many eager to see Radiohead, joking that he'd love to play his trademark slide guitar over their set. Abundant shows at all times made for tough decisions on who to see. Ricky Skaggs even admitted his own kids would be checking out Robert Randolph instead of his show.
\nRadiohead\nThe highlight was an otherworldly, mind-blowing performance by Radiohead which had the festival buzzing with anticipation all weekend. Some fans waited since 11 a.m. to get in perfect position for the popular British band which rarely plays in the U.S. The wait from 11 a.m. until Radiohead went on at 8:30 was made easier by three top-notch shows by The Neville Brothers, Elvis Costello and Beck warming up the crowd.\nAs darkness fell on Saturday evening, the crowd's electric energy built to a palpable buzz in anticipation of the rare Radiohead performance. A raucous eruption of howls welcomed the band as a raging, glow stick war began. \nThom Yorke announced he was playing, "lots and lots of old stuff and some new stuff." All of which was received with admiration. Whether playing acoustic guitar backed by a haunting keyboard, rocking songs off "The Bends" or "Hail to the Thief" on electric, beating a tambourine, or banging on a piano, Yorke was in complete control. His spinning, frenetic, microphone-grabbing sway mesmerized the crowd through every song of the two and half hour set. \nDespite Radiohead's rare touring, fans knew exactly when to wave their hands back and fort and sing along, and when to let loose in passionate unheralded dance. During the second song "2+2=5" fans immediately broke into a free-for all, hopping, full release during the repeating, poignant chorus "You have not been paying attention." \nHe had the audience in the palm of his hand every second he was on stage. If he wanted the crowd clapping, by the second hand clap they were on cue, when he wanted a quiet sing-along, the only noise was glow sticks and lighters, and when he started fan-favorite "The Bends," cheers echoed through the audience just from the recognizable feedback, before he even played a note. \nDancing and spinning in circles, Yorke kept his trademark, pained expression painted on his face except for rare moments of smiling. During the encore of "Everything in its Right Place," Yorke smiled as he hid behind instruments, and engaged in a full out glow- stick battle with the crowd until bowing out to monstrous applause. As "Everything in it's Right Place looped over and over, the projection screens offered up a guess at how long attendees would remember the legendary performance, "Ever and Ever"
