Gonerfest is Memphis' epic gathering of punk, garage, and indie rock bands from all over the world, and it starts today. Here's everything you need to know.
art via Rocket Science Audio Facebook
– Eric Friedl and Zac Ives, co-owners of Goner Records, decided in 2005 to bring in a few bands for some weekend shows. Then fans from all over the world (most famously, enthusiastic Australians) started appearing, and the rest is history. Eleven fests later, and Memphis is a destination for rock fans around the world every year at Gonerfest.
– There are nearly 40 bands from Memphis and around the world playing at four different venues over four days. Pre-sales have ended, but you can still buy tickets at the door. Here's the schedule.
– The festival works like this: Opening ceremonies are at the Cooper Young Gazebo (right by Goner Records) tonight (Thursday) at 5:30 p.m. Then, there are three big night shows at the Hi-Tone Thursday, Friday, and Saturday ($25 each night).
There are Friday afternoon shows at the Buc ($5), the Saturday afternoon infamous "ten-band blowout" at Murphy's with indoor and outdoor stages ($10). Closing ceremonies are back at the Gazebo on Sunday afternoon. Go here for the whole schedule.
– If you can't make it to one of the shows, you can watch online for free at www.rocketscienceaudio.com.
– In terms of bands, it's quite the family affair this year with 12 bands playing that have released music on Goner Records performing. Ty Segall will give an exclusive performance of T. Rex songs here in Memphis to celebrate the release of his covers album, "TY REX". Get a sample here).
– Prolific punk rock artists Sonny Vincent is coming over from Europe to play Friday night of the fest.
– Black Abba out of NOLA will have their debut Goner 7" ready exclusively for Gonerfest.
– Memphis Made Brewing has once again made two beers in honor of Gonerfest. You can get Fuzzbox IPA (6.2% ABV) and Gonerbrau (4.2% hopped cream ale) at the Memphis Made Taproom, Cash Saver, and most of these places.
– If you want to get a preview of the music you'll hear, there's a handy dandy Gonerfest 12 mixtape with tracks from all the bands on SoundCloud that you can listen to here (or below).
– For the second year, Gonerfest has an arts show. This year's show is in tribute to Graceland Too, featuring art and artifacts from the late Paul McLeod's Holly Springs home. The show is at Crosstown Arts and is on display through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. Go here for more info.
Go There:
GonerFest 12
September 24 – 27
Cooper Young Gazebo / Hi-Tone Cafe / Buccaneer / Murphy’s / Crosstown Arts
All shows are ages 18 and up.
