LNE snaps up Bonnaroo

Live Nation has taken a controlling stake in American festival Bonnaroo. Current promoters Superfly and AC Entertainment will continue to programme and run the event. Confirming the deal, Live Nation's Michael Rapino told reporters: "The addition of Bonnaroo builds on Live Nation Entertainment's world leading festival portfolio of over 60 marquee festivals such as Austin City Limits Music Festival, Lollapalooza, Reading, Leeds, T In The Park, Electric Daisy Carnival, Rock Werchter, and Watershed Music Festival to name a few. Bonnaroo is another crown jewel in this festival channel strategy, one that appeals to both fans and artists in uniqueness and experience". Superfly co-founder Rick Farman said: "We are strengthening our commitment to create the best possible experience at Bonnaroo. Through this partnership with Live Nation, we're even more empowered to enhance the festival while preserving the integrity of the event that we've thoughtfully built over the past fourteen years".