June 11, 2012

Summing up an event like Bonnaroo takes time for reflection and consideration, but by the time Phish’s closing set was over on Sunday night, it was clear and simple – Bonnaroo 2012 is going to be remembered as one of the great ones. Looking back over the music and surprises of the weekend, Sunday’s shows don’t necessarily stand out among the shock rock and superjams and sunrise sets (okay, Lionel Richie showed up and sang “All Night Long” with Kenny Rogers, but that wasn’t totally unexpected). But it was as solid as any of the festival’s four days thanks to solid if relatively unsurprising performances by veteran acts.