09/12/2023
If you’re a hardcore festival fan/attendee, then I’m sure you’ve seen what I’ve seen for the last few years. I really considered not speaking on this issue, however I could not refrain…
In 2017 a new festival hit the scene in Lynchburg, VA. It was a one day festival. After that year there have been six more festivals in VA. In 7 years total, this festival has been held at five different locations. If you know, then you know I’m speaking about the Blue Ridge Rock Festival, (BRRF). Through the four location changes, only two changes have been to move to a larger location but in 2020 the festival was canceled due to COVID. That gave the town, (Appomattox), more time to review the festival and its creator/promoter. The town then rescinded the permissions to hold it there.The other two locations canceled their permissions due to major issues.
This brings us to 2022 and 2023. This festival has been held at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, VA the last two years. This year has finally exposed the promoter to everyone of his true nature. A lot of people say this is a money grab for Jonathon Sly, however that theory is impossible due to the fact that Mr Sly has never profited one cent in seven years of his festival. His system of running the festival is every dollar that comes in is spent on more bands. However this will never be successful. It's been shown this year how he treats bands and staff that this is not done to be a dick, it’s done for lack of money to properly take care of his employees and bands. A complete festival does not cancel only due to weather, only until the weather passes and the weather did pass, but still the remaining festivals days were canceled. Canceled because employees walked out and went on strike due to conditions and treatment. It took one of the biggest bands in the world, (Slipknot), to feed the bands and staff by way of paying for catering. What is known as BRRF has been a fiasco for years, but Mr Sly really outdid himself this year.
Mr Sly has now made promises of at least partial refunds. In my mind this is highly doubtful. You have to have money to refund the millions taken from thousands of fans for entry. The bands aint going to give what they were paid to help, especially after they were treated.
Mr Sly makes the claims that the remaining days of the festival were canceled due to weather. Reliable sources have stated that is not the case. The true story is that the VIR canceled the lease effective immediately due to the level of incompetence present this year from the promoter. After only two years at this location. But, wait, two years at one location is all it takes for Mr Sly to wear out his welcome. It's been proven time and time again, about every two years to be exact.
Promoters need to take care of the talent they book. Promoters need to take care of the fans they ask to spend money to attend their shows. Promoters need to take care of the employees that make the show happen behind the scenes. Mr Sly was absent on the day of promoter school where he would’ve learned these valuable and required lessons. In my years in and out of this industry on a very low level I have come across many promoters and venue owners, and Mr Sly is by far the worst I ever encountered or known of.
Will BRRF return next year or even later? My opinion is a resounding NO! My Sly’s incompetence has now spilled over to destroy the fans' experience, an experience My Sly claims to be fan driven! Also, My Sly has effectively ruined his reputation in the industry. He simply will never regain the trust of valuable components of live entertainment, such as stage hands etc. On top of that, how many bands will actually sign up in the future to play a gig promoted by Mr Sly? I would venture to say approximately ZERO!
Thank you for taking the time to read my commentary on this issue. Next up is Louder Than LIfe in Louisville, KY. Now THAT'S a festival run by some top notch guys.
—Knucklehead
