Bonnaroo’s longtime bandana giveaway is out for 2025, and fans are heated.
Once a staple low-cost merch item and an iconic Roo vibe accessory, the bandana has been axed by Live Nation in this year’s official festival packs. The news hit social channels and Reddit where it quickly sparked debate.
Key fan reactions:
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Merch Boycott Talk: Some suggest skipping official merch buys or even the festival itself, pushing back against the “small but meaningful” tradition being cut.
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DIY Bandanas: Others are rallying around ideas for fan-made Roo bandanas — keeping the spirit alive independently.
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Balancing Acts: Meanwhile, a few remind the community that improved stages and infrastructure upgrades may offer better value than freebies.
This backlash highlights the invested emotional bond Bonnaroo attendees have with festival rituals. Even a seemingly minor merch change can ignite wide discussion—and maybe a fan movement—to defend what makes Roo uniquely itself.
Source: r/bonnaroo
