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 youโre a long-time attendee or a curious newcomer, thereโs 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, itโs grown into a quirky, beloved part of Memphisโs cultural calendar. Hundreds of fans will flock to Midtownโs Railgarten this year from September 26-29 for what promises to be another unforgettable experience.
The Festivities Unfold
If you think Gonerfest canโt get any bigger, think again! This year, itโs expanding an extra day to accommodate the overwhelming number of talented acts. Zac Ives shared, โWe had so many people who wanted to play, we couldnโt keep saying no, so we decided to stretch it out another day this year and see if we survive.โ
Things kick off on September 26 with an opening ceremony at Downtownโs 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
Letโs talk about what you really want to knowโthe music! This yearโs 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 โBaby Come Backโ and โPolice and Thieves.โ 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 thatโs when the San Francisco band The Rip Offs will make their Gonerfest debutโthis 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 yearโs Gonerfest promises to feature an international lineup as well! Expect bands like the African desert blues collective Etran de LโAir from Niger, Japanese garage punks Angel Face, and psych/shoegaze legends Bailter Space from New Zealand. Plus, thereโs a strong showing from Australia with bands like Split System and Gee Tee making the trip. Itโs a global celebration of music, and Memphis is the lucky host!
Final Details and Tickets
With all this action at Railgarten, you wonโt want to miss a moment. If youโre 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 youโre busy on Sunday but still want to join in the fun, tickets for the finale are only $20.
But wait! This yearโs festival acknowledges the fans who might not make it in person. Don’t fretโyou 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 wonโt want to miss. Let’s rock on!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
