Gonerfest 21: A Rocking Celebration of Music in Memphis
Welcome to Memphis, folks! This city is about to light up with the sounds of rock and roll because Gonerfest is back for its 21st year! Whether you’re a long-time attendee or a curious newcomer, there’s something magical about this festival that draws music lovers from all corners of the globe.
A Quick History
Can you believe it all started back in 2005? Zac Ives and Eric Friedl, the brains behind Goner Records, set out to throw a simple album release party for The King Khan & BBQ Show. But before they knew it, the tiny event ballooned into a full-blown four-day music extravaganza, with more bands wanting to play than they could fit. And just like that, Gonerfest was born!
Now, after all these years and having hosted more than 20 festivals, it’s grown into a quirky, beloved part of Memphis’s cultural calendar. Hundreds of fans will flock to Midtown’s Railgarten this year from September 26-29 for what promises to be another unforgettable experience.
The Festivities Unfold
If you think Gonerfest can’t get any bigger, think again! This year, it’s expanding an extra day to accommodate the overwhelming number of talented acts. Zac Ives shared, “We had so many people who wanted to play, we couldn’t keep saying no, so we decided to stretch it out another day this year and see if we survive.”
Things kick off on September 26 with an opening ceremony at Downtown’s Central Station, where attendees can snag their tickets and passes between 2-4 p.m. This welcoming gathering is set to welcome everyone with tunes spun by DJ Hot Tub Eric and is completely free to attend!
Star-Studded Lineup
Let’s talk about what you really want to know—the music! This year’s lineup is nothing short of impressive. Old-school music fans will be thrilled to see Derv Gordon from The Equals, who will take the stage on opening night. Expect to sing along to classic hits like “Baby Come Back” and “Police and Thieves.” The festivities keep escalating with the talented Jon Spencer performing the next day, showcasing some of his past bands. Pretty cool, right?
Mark your calendars for September 28 because that’s when the San Francisco band The Rip Offs will make their Gonerfest debut—this one’s a must-see! And to wrap everything up, the festival will close out on September 29 with the experimental group Oneida bringing the sounds of Brooklyn to Memphis. Can you feel the excitement already?
International Flavor
This year’s Gonerfest promises to feature an international lineup as well! Expect bands like the African desert blues collective Etran de L’Air from Niger, Japanese garage punks Angel Face, and psych/shoegaze legends Bailter Space from New Zealand. Plus, there’s a strong showing from Australia with bands like Split System and Gee Tee making the trip. It’s a global celebration of music, and Memphis is the lucky host!
Final Details and Tickets
With all this action at Railgarten, you won’t want to miss a moment. If you’re planning to go, Gonerfest offers golden passes for $150, granting entry to all events, or single-day tickets for $60 from Thursday to Saturday. If you’re busy on Sunday but still want to join in the fun, tickets for the finale are only $20.
But wait! This year’s festival acknowledges the fans who might not make it in person. Don’t fret—you can purchase a $20 livestream ticket to enjoy all the performances from home!
So, whether you’re dancing under the stars in Memphis or tuning in from the comfort of your couch, Gonerfest 21 is shaping up to be an extraordinary celebration of music that you won’t want to miss. Let’s rock on!
