My experience at Bottlerock last year was pretty great. I had to transcribe interviews for a different website, but I got to take photos of some great bands. They have a really nice setup in Napa, with a stage where bands join chefs to cook food, great wine options if you’re into that sort of thing, and a bunch of interesting food options. The lineup last year had a bunch of music that I loved: Stevie Wonder, Buddy Guy, Shovels & Rope, Ivan & Alyosha, Deap Vally, K Flay, The Suffers (they also had Red Hot Chili Peppers and Florence & The Machine headlining).
The lineup for 2017 just came out, and it’s another amazing mix of genres with bands reaching a bunch of demographics. There really is something for everyone this year, and a lot if you’re open to different kinds of music.
The headliners are Foo Fighters, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and Maroon 5 (maybe without their bassist who got arrested with Bingo Gubelman). Nothing earth shattering, but a solid set of bands.
The undercard is where it gets good: The Roots, The Strumbellas, Highly Suspect, Band Of Horses, Fitz & The Tantrums, Modest Mouse, Mavis Staples, Catfish & The Bottlemen, and Charles Bradley & The Extraordinaires. Plus Warren G? Warren G! All while basking in the California sun. Unbelievable.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, and the fest is over Memorial Day weekend