Bonnaroo music festival co-founder Jonathan Mayers dead at 51

Jonathan Mayers, an innovative music festival creator known for co-founding Bonnaroo and Superfly Entertainment, died at the age of 51.

“Our hearts are extremely heavy as we mourn the loss of one of our co-founders, Jonathan Mayers,” Bonnaroo wrote in an Instagram story posted on Tuesday. “For more than a decade, Jonathan was a creative force behind this festival that so many of us have held near and dear to our hearts now for more than twenty years.”

A cause of death was not given.

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The live entertainment producer’s death was announced days before Bonnaroo kicked off in Manchester, Tenn. as attendees were already on site camping ahead of the annual music event.

“As a very small token of our appreciation for what he contributed to Bonnaroo, we will plant a tree in his honor on The Farm,” Bonnaroo’s Instagram post added.

The Farm at Bonnaroo is where the festival has occurred since he co-founded it in 2002.

“Our thoughts are with Jonathan’s family and friends during this very difficult time,” the festival’s account shared. “This weekend we celebrate Jonathan by doing the two things we know best to do in our favorite place on the planet. Spreading love and radiating positivity. Thank you, Jonathan. This one’s for you.”

The music festival, which runs from June 12-15, is known for its diverse lineup.

2025 headliners include Luke Combs, Olivia Rodrigo, Avril Lavigne, Nelly, and Vampire Weekend.

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Outside Lands, a San Francisco-based music festival Mayers co-founded under Superfly, paid tribute to him in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

“Jonathan was the creative force behind so much of what makes Outside Lands feel magical,” the post claimed. “He had a gift for dreaming up the surprise-and-delight moments that turned ordinary spaces into unforgettable experiences. From the Ranger Dave statue and Choco Lands to the whimsical bridge facade on top of the Lands End stage, all Jon.”

“More than anything, we will miss his unwavering dedication to bringing people together, his passion for pushing boundaries, his infectious laugh, and his ability to tap into the inner child in all of us. Thank you for your vision, your heart, and the magic you brought into this world. We will miss you dearly.”

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Mayers left Superfly in 2021 to create Core City Detroit, which sought to raise money and invest in “culturally rich” neighborhoods, according to an investment deck of the project reviewed by Music Row.

The concert producer was also behind creating fan experiences like the “Friends” pop-up SoHo and “The Seinfeld Experience” in New York’s Gramercy neighborhood.