The Bonnaroo Superjam boasts a remarkable history of legendary participants, dating back to the festival's inception. This year's Emo Superjam upheld the tradition, delivering a uniquely electrifying set that stood out as one of the highlights of the 2024 festival. While most music fans thronged the Main Stage for performances by Cage The Elephant (with frontman Matt Shultz having a history of Superjam appearances) and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, an enthusiastic crowd packed This Tent for an unforgettable experience.
Curated by Chris Carrabba, the lead singer of Dashboard Confessional, this year's Superjam featured a powerful lineup of emo hits. The set began with Dashboard Confessional's own "Stolen" from their 2007 album, Dusk and Summer. The energy soared as Andrew McMahon animatedly joined in for Something Corporate’s "I Woke Up In A Car," followed by Yvette Young of Covet, who brought "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World to life.
Geoffrey Rickly, known for his work with Thursday, performed “Understanding In A Car Crash,” and was later joined by New Found Glory's bassist Ian Grushka for a cover of My Chemical Romance’s “I’m Not Okay (I Promise).” Carrabba returned to lead vocals with Dashboard Confessional’s "Screaming Infidelities" from their 2001 album, The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most. Derek Sanders of Mayday Parade then took the stage with Blink-182’s "I Miss You," inciting a mosh pit frenzy.
Anthony Green of Circa Survive heightened the intensity with My Chemical Romance's “Helena,” and his acrobatic crowd surfing added to the excitement. He then joined Geoff Rickly for a dynamic duet of Taking Back Sunday’s “Make Damn Sure.” The energy shift continued as The Beaches delivered a cover of Paramore’s “That’s What You Get,” paying homage to the nearby Franklin, Tennessee natives, with lead singer Hayley Williams having a history of Superjam participation.
Dashboard Confessional resumed with “Vindicated,” the lead single from the Spider-Man 2 soundtrack, featuring Grushka on bass and Young on guitar. Mike Kinsella and Young performed “Never Meant” by American Football, followed by John O’Callaghan of The Maine and Medium Build’s duet on Taking Back Sunday’s “Cute Without The E (Cut From the Team).” Anthony Green returned for a powerful duet with Cursive’s Tim Kasher on “One Armed Scissor” by At The Drive-In.
The female trio Trousdale took over with Paramore's “Misery Business,” and then shared the stage with Derek Saunders for a rousing rendition of “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus, bringing the house down with a massive sing-along. The grand finale saw O’Callaghan, Kasher, and McMahon leading Weezer's “Say It Ain’t So,” with McMahon diving into the crowd.
The night concluded with Dashboard Confessional’s “Hands Down,” as all the evening's performers joined onstage, ending two hours of pure emo bliss. This Superjam was a testament to the enduring power of emo music and the vibrant spirit of Bonnaroo.
