Comedian Chris Gethard's Guide to Bonnaroo

FUSE TV - Comedian Chris Gethard's Guide to Bonnaroo

Chris Gethard is doing something different when he heads to Bonnaroo this year: He's taking an airplane.

Last year, the comedian/author/public access TV show host traveled from Los Angeles to the annual Tennessee music fest relying solely on the cars, food, gas, accommodations and generosity of strangers in a YouTube-documented stunt that was more-or-less insane. But it worked: He got to the 'Roo in one piece and put on his oddball variety TV series The Chris Gethard Show for an audience of mud-covered music lovers.

With Bonnaroo 2013 nearly upon us, we spoke with the returning performer about his transformative experience last year, what he's most excited about seeing this time around and what you absolutely need to bring when you hit Bonnaroo this weekend.

Bonnaroo Crowd Vibe

Everybody is there to have fun and it's intensely positive. Which is cool: With things that are that big, there's a high chance that people will get pissed off with the logistics of standing in line or whatever. But everybody seemed really laid back and to be having a good time. Of course, that was in the beginning. By the end of the weekend it's really nuts. Everybody is walking around with t-shirts over their faces because so much dust has been kicked up. It starts to feel really weird and post-apocalyptic, but in a pleasant way. It has that Children of Men type thing. The only other fest I've really spent time at was SXSW, which is so sprawling and spread out and doesn't have that sense of community. That's what I was struck by at Bonnaroo: People are taking care of each other. And there's a lot of friendly conversation with strangers, which is really nice. I'm excited to immerse myself in that culture and community again. It doesn't feel like people just want to watch bands and then go back to their tents and sleep. People want to get to know the other people who would come to a thing like Bonnaroo. It's a real cool feeling. Especially as a New Yorker, where you're generally intentionally closing yourself off from other people all the time.

Get Ready to Get Dirty

No one is clean by Sunday. I started to find it really intimidating, because you do have people who have been drinking the whole time. They're hung over, sunburned, wearing bandanas over their faces and grumpy and it starts to feel a little strange. It feels like the end of the party, but a party where there's thousands and thousands and thousands of people. But it's really fun no matter how you slice it.

Festival Camping and Swing Time

Tent City is really impressive [tour Tent City 2012 right here]. It's amazing that it functions and is so well organized. I remember wandering back there one day and finding this big canopy somebody had set up with these swings inside it. There were all these people sitting on them talking, even though nobody knew each other. I was really tired and just spent an hour swinging with strangers in a tent. And that was a pretty pleasant time.

Best Bonnaroo Memory

When we were doing our cross-country trip, some kids in Kentucky let us stay with them and then drove us the final leg. They weren't going to Bonnaroo, but the Bonnaroo guys were nice enough that they let us give these kids passes. They weren't expecting that. I was watching a concert and bumped into them among thousands of people. It was toward the end of the festival and they were so thrilled to be there. And it was cool to get them in and see them dancing and having so much fun. I was happy to be a part of that.

Worst Bonnaroo Memory

For me it was probably falling off the wagon and doing way too much MDMA and going ape-shit. In a good way, but in a way I should probably avoid this time around. I didn't freak out or anything but I did it for about 36 hours straight and came back to New York with a whole different mentality and perspective. And a lot of things in my life changed, ultimately for the positive. But between that crazy walk and coming out of honesty-inducing drugs, it was a year-altering experience. I made a lot of decisions in the wake of that. I moved apartments, I had been in a relationship I'm no longer in, so it was just a whole lot of stuff. But I think if you wander across the country you’re bound to ponder the state of things for yourself. So hopefully this time I can go and it can be more laid-back and relaxed.

Be Prepared or Perish

Come prepared or you might die. My experience was that I met a lot of people and did a lot of cool stuff that I couldn't have planned for. But be smart and plan for yourself and make sure you have enough water. My understanding is that the tents can get so hot people can overheat and dehydrate. It seems like the worst. 

Footwear Musts

You want to wear something you'll be comfortable standing and walking in all day. But also remember you'll be walking in dirt and mud, so I think if you were to wear flip flops or sandals, you'd be one of the more disgusting human beings by the end of that trip. I'm a sneakers guy myself and I might bring a couple pairs. If you have some old broken sneakers, those are advisable as opposed to brand new ones.

2013 Lineup Highlights

I'm really excited to see Paul McCartney and Tom Petty and Japandroids. On the comedian end of things, I think everybody is really good or at least solid. I'm really excited they invited the guys from The Improvised Shakespeare Company. I'm excited to see how it plays. They're so nice and what they do is so weird and they do it so well. They do 40 minute improvised Shakespeare pieces with Iambic pentameter. The Bonnaroo comedy crowd is more accustomed to stand-up so I'm excited to see them respond to something that trippy.

What Gethard Has Planned for His Gigs

Last year I did The Chris Gethard Show which is an experimental, crazy thing, but this time it's just stand-up. I have a pretty in-depth exploration of my Bonnaroo experience last year that I may tell on stage and see how the crowd likes it. I would call my act stand-up but I'm less of a joke writer and more on the confessional, philosophizing or whatever end. They're true stories. I'm playing Thursday and Friday. Then Saturday I'm hosting a look at public access TV with clips from my show and other public access shows that inspired mine. Things like Uncle Floyd—which I grew up with in New Jersey—and Chic-a-Go-Go from Chicago. Also, clips from my favorite prank call footage on various public access shows. And a lot of it will be clips from The Chris Gethard Show that I'm really proud of. But overall I just want to have fun and meet a lot more people. 

Comedians React to SHOCKING US Laws!

6m

Comedians React to SHOCKING US Laws!

Comedians React to Unbelievably Strange Laws in the US

6m

Comedians React to Unbelievably Strange Laws in the US

First Gen Comedians React to Cringy Episodes of "Pant Off Dance Off"

1m

First Gen Comedians React to Cringy Episodes of "Pant Off Dance Off"

Comedians Learn About This Weird Pickle Law

7m

Comedians Learn About This Weird Pickle Law

Silly String Is Illegal in What US City!? Comedians React to Strange Laws

6m

Silly String Is Illegal in What US City!? Comedians React to Strange Laws

Everybody Loves Chris Rock

40m

Everybody Loves Chris Rock

Chris Fonseca, Stephanie Escajeda

45m

Chris Fonseca, Stephanie Escajeda

First Gen Comedians Break Down America's Obsession with Bacon

2m

First Gen Comedians Break Down America's Obsession with Bacon

Gabriel Iglesias Talks Favorite Comedians and Large Penises: Ask Fluffy

4m

Gabriel Iglesias Talks Favorite Comedians and Large Penises: Ask Fluffy

Scoobidy Doobidy! Mission Against Chris Brown & Cancel Culture

3m

Scoobidy Doobidy! Mission Against Chris Brown & Cancel Culture

License to Breed

23m

License to Breed

Care to Laugh

1h 16m

Care to Laugh

Welcome To Hollywood

21m

Welcome To Hollywood

Maid To Order

45m

Maid To Order

Filmmakers To Watch

Filmmakers To Watch

Two to Tango

46m

Two to Tango

Toe to Toe

1h 43m

Toe to Toe

Right To Twerk

20m

Right To Twerk

Down to the Wire

45m

Down to the Wire

Care to Laugh - Trailer

2m

Care to Laugh - Trailer

Whitney: Born to Sing

41m

Whitney: Born to Sing

Welcome to the Jungle

46m

Welcome to the Jungle

Hail To The King

22m

Hail To The King

Go Back to China

1h 21m

Go Back to China

Who Came To Win?

20m

Who Came To Win?

Sea to Shining Sea

1h 21m

Sea to Shining Sea

Toe to Toe - Trailer

2m

Toe to Toe - Trailer

Welcome to The 212

20m

Welcome to The 212

Sea to Shining Sea - Trailer

2m

Sea to Shining Sea - Trailer

George Michael: Easy to Pretend

56m

George Michael: Easy to Pretend

Go Back to China - Trailer

1m

Go Back to China - Trailer

That Farm To Table Ish

20m

That Farm To Table Ish

Bruce Springsteen: Born to Rock

41m

Bruce Springsteen: Born to Rock

How To Be A Disruptor

20m

How To Be A Disruptor

Time To Take 'Em Down

20m

Time To Take 'Em Down

Taylor Swift: Dare to Dream

41m

Taylor Swift: Dare to Dream

Got to Be in it To Win it: America's Obsession with the Lottery

2m

Got to Be in it To Win it: America's Obsession with the Lottery

King Keraun Attempts to Fly Board

6m

King Keraun Attempts to Fly Board

Get To Know Mariposa: Fluffy Fanatic

1m

Get To Know Mariposa: Fluffy Fanatic

Women's Rights & Strengths Coming To Light

8m

Women's Rights & Strengths Coming To Light

That Back To The Future Ish

20m

That Back To The Future Ish

Get To Know Deana: Fluffy Fanatic

1m

Get To Know Deana: Fluffy Fanatic

How to Make Ally Brooke's Enchiladas

44s

How to Make Ally Brooke's Enchiladas

How to Make DaniLeigh's Pastelón

1m

How to Make DaniLeigh's Pastelón

Back To The Heart Attack Grill

2m

Back To The Heart Attack Grill

We Need To Talk About America

We Need To Talk About America

Get to Know Gil: Fluffy Fanatic

1m

Get to Know Gil: Fluffy Fanatic

The Legend of Baron To'a

1h 39m

The Legend of Baron To'a

King Keraun Attempts to Become A Ventriloquist

6m

King Keraun Attempts to Become A Ventriloquist

Where Is It Illegal To Eat Frogs?!

14m

Where Is It Illegal To Eat Frogs?!

It's Hard To Raise Yourself These Days

20m

It's Hard To Raise Yourself These Days

Suck It Up and Go to Mars

21m

Suck It Up and Go to Mars

King Keraun Goes "Back to the Future"

6m

King Keraun Goes "Back to the Future"

Fat Joe Brings Smoothini to Rucker Park

2m

Fat Joe Brings Smoothini to Rucker Park

How to Make T-Pain's Beef Pie

1m

How to Make T-Pain's Beef Pie

Immigrants Are Starting To Take A Stand!

5m

Immigrants Are Starting To Take A Stand!

Danny Trejo Welcomes You to Trejo's Tacos

2m

Danny Trejo Welcomes You to Trejo's Tacos

The Legend of Baron To'a - Trailer

1m

The Legend of Baron To'a - Trailer

Wearing Your Shower Curtain to the Club

41m

Wearing Your Shower Curtain to the Club

What Not To Ask A Trans Woman

1m

What Not To Ask A Trans Woman

King Keraun Attempts to Become An "Archery Master"

6m

King Keraun Attempts to Become An "Archery Master"

We Need To Talk About America - S2 Trailer

1m

We Need To Talk About America - S2 Trailer

How to make Dave East's Steak and Eggs

49s

How to make Dave East's Steak and Eggs

Can Devon and Crystal Come to Some Resolution?

2m

Can Devon and Crystal Come to Some Resolution?

What To Expect On Clash of the Corps

1m

What To Expect On Clash of the Corps

Marissa Challenges Her Mom To A $50 Bet

1m

Marissa Challenges Her Mom To A $50 Bet

We're Here to Help: LGBTQIA+ Resources & Charities

1m

We're Here to Help: LGBTQIA+ Resources & Charities

Is It Illegal To Trip A Horse Up?

7m

Is It Illegal To Trip A Horse Up?

Mom Wants Me to Find a Tinder Match

20m

Mom Wants Me to Find a Tinder Match

Where Is It ILLEGAL to Send Unwanted Pizzas?

6m

Where Is It ILLEGAL to Send Unwanted Pizzas?

Here's What to Expect on "Saturday Morning Fever"

2m

Here's What to Expect on "Saturday Morning Fever"

How to Make Rick Ross' Homemade Spaghetti and Catfish

1m

How to Make Rick Ross' Homemade Spaghetti and Catfish

Will Bambiana's Anger Issues Lead to Termination: First Look

37s

Will Bambiana's Anger Issues Lead to Termination: First Look

Casey Brings Her Hosting Skills To iCandy Nightclub

1m

Casey Brings Her Hosting Skills To iCandy Nightclub

Jesus Trejo Gets People to Revel their Deepest Confessions

2m

Jesus Trejo Gets People to Revel their Deepest Confessions

Yesenia Gives Financial Advice To Mia | Clash of The Corps

2m

Yesenia Gives Financial Advice To Mia | Clash of The Corps

Chapter 3 Goes From Tagging Graffiti to An Artist & Producer

9m

Chapter 3 Goes From Tagging Graffiti to An Artist & Producer

Peder Cho Transforms Basic Cargo Shorts to a Bucket Hat

9m

Peder Cho Transforms Basic Cargo Shorts to a Bucket Hat

King Keraun Attempts to Become An "Archery Master" YouTube

6m

King Keraun Attempts to Become An "Archery Master" YouTube

Young M.A Jumps Over Cars To Open For Beyoncé

2m

Young M.A Jumps Over Cars To Open For Beyoncé

How to Make A$AP Ferg's Homemade Cookie Apple Pie

1m

How to Make A$AP Ferg's Homemade Cookie Apple Pie

Who Will be Cut from Team Freedia to Save Finances?

2m

Who Will be Cut from Team Freedia to Save Finances?

How to Make Jhené Aiko’s Vegan Carrot & Potato Tacos

1m

How to Make Jhené Aiko’s Vegan Carrot & Potato Tacos

Clash of The Corps Is Putting DCI Stereotypes To Rest

1m

Clash of The Corps Is Putting DCI Stereotypes To Rest

The Fluffy Crew Says Hello to Rebellion's 'Fat Boy Finesse'

3m

The Fluffy Crew Says Hello to Rebellion's 'Fat Boy Finesse'

G Fella and Suits Back to Their Roots: G-Thing

2m

G Fella and Suits Back to Their Roots: G-Thing

Lena Waithe On Making What She Wants To See (Extended Cut)

17m

Lena Waithe On Making What She Wants To See (Extended Cut)

Xristina Tries To Romance A Ghost At A Haunted B&B

2m

Xristina Tries To Romance A Ghost At A Haunted B&B

Dancin' On Air Producer Once Told Madonna to Clean Her Mess

1m

Dancin' On Air Producer Once Told Madonna to Clean Her Mess

King Keraun Learns To Make Bread From Scratch From A Baker

8m

King Keraun Learns To Make Bread From Scratch From A Baker

Shenseea Shares Her Rags to Riches Story & Cooks A Native Jamaican Dish

8m

Shenseea Shares Her Rags to Riches Story & Cooks A Native Jamaican Dish

Peder Cho Shows How to DIY a Blazer Into a Tweed Vest

9m

Peder Cho Shows How to DIY a Blazer Into a Tweed Vest

How Much Is too Much When It Comes to Sex with Weezy

6m

How Much Is too Much When It Comes to Sex with Weezy

'Transcendent' First Look: An Emotional Look to the Past & Toward the Future

21s

'Transcendent' First Look: An Emotional Look to the Past & Toward the Future

King Keraun Learns How To Make The Perfect At Home Pillow Fort

6m

King Keraun Learns How To Make The Perfect At Home Pillow Fort

Is Tossing Your Man's Salad The Way To His Heart: Dear Bambiana

2m

Is Tossing Your Man's Salad The Way To His Heart: Dear Bambiana

Xristina's Trust Issues, Nya Needs to Step Up at Work: First Look

36s

Xristina's Trust Issues, Nya Needs to Step Up at Work: First Look

You Need A Certification To Be A Fortune Teller!? Funny US Laws

5m

You Need A Certification To Be A Fortune Teller!? Funny US Laws

Peder Cho Shows How to DIY Denim Bootcut Jeans Into a Shoulder Bag

10m

Peder Cho Shows How to DIY Denim Bootcut Jeans Into a Shoulder Bag

King Keraun Learns How To Crochet A Face Mask From A Pro Knitter

8m

King Keraun Learns How To Crochet A Face Mask From A Pro Knitter