The last day of Bonnaroo on Sunday, June 16 came quicker than we expected, but we’re so glad we stuck around through the heat to see some wonderful artists. When storms started to roll in, the day’s tunes were postponed for about 40 minutes. Luckily the festival got right back on track, finishing off the last day of Bonnaroo 2024.
Fans gathered in masses at the Which Stage to see gay pop icon Chappell Roan make her Bonnaroo debut in her signature drag-like makeup look. The set started with the upbeat and feminine powered “Femininomenon.” Roan also guided the audience through the hand motions to her song “HOT TO GO!” wearing an all latex doctor ensemble.
Many fans waited in line for hours before her show for a chance to get up close to the young pop star. After braving the afternoon heat we see what all the hype is about. Chappell has been working for years to hone her songs and stage presence and has had a meteoric rise this summer and will soon be headlining these big stages.
Country folk musician Charles Wesley Godwin and his band brought some West Virginian tunes to the Which Stage. Early in the performance, Godwin played an acoustic guitar while his band played on a pedal steel guitar, banjo, keyboards and tambourines. After songs like “Country Roads,” and “Jealous Kind,” Godwin had conjured up some rain, and his performance was stopped short but continued after the storm had passed.
Canadian pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen came out on stage in a flowy pink and blue cotton candy colored dress. She often raised the microphone to the crowd, having fans sing along with her. Right after playing “Psychedelic Switch” from her most recent album The Loveliest Time, Jepsen jumped into her fan-favorite and highly recognizable “Call Me Maybe” that had fans singing along and jumping around. Carly Rae never disappoints on a festival stage. She is the ultimate pro when it comes to performing to her adoring fans.
Over on the What Stage Megan Thee Stallion matched the sunset with a yellow and orange sparkly bodysuit. Of course, the performance included tons of booty shaking and hip gyrating, especially to songs “WAP” and “Freak Nasty.” Megan made sure that everyone in the crowd felt welcome with her words of body positivity and declaration of a “self-love summer.” Megan ended her set with the 2020 hit “Savage,” leaving fans with memories of some of the greatest “hot girl” hits of the last seven years.
The last set we got to see at the fest was Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Performing with his guitar, Isbell and his band gave the crowd a walkthrough of their rock discography. Hitting almost all of their albums, the group played “Alabama Pines,” “King of Oklahoma,” “Strawberry Woman,” “If We Were Vampires,” and many more. Isbell even found the time to add in songs from his solo career like “Traveling Alone,” “24 Frames” and ended with an emotional rendition of “Cover Me Up.”
After dealing with the persistent heat and the long hours that made up Bonnaroo 2024, we are so glad we stayed along for the ride. After all, what would our summer be if not full of great music and good times? We can’t wait to see what artists and crazy performances that 2025 will bring to The Farm!
Words by Emily Cigan @emily.cigan and Amy Harris @thetraveladdictig