The What Podcast is on location at The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee for CaveFest 2025, just down the road from Bonnaroo! Barry couldn't make it this week, so our friend Beth Thorpe steps in to co-host. We talk about our experience at the festival, why CaveFest is more than just bluegrass, and how an independent venue like The Caverns runs differently from Live Nation's Bonnaroo. Plus, we get a full cave tour with the owner himself! Could CaveFest be the most magical small festival in the Southeast? Does it give Bonnaroo a run for its money when comparing vibes?

But that’s not all, we also cover the latest music and festival news. We speculate on Bonnaroo's radio silence over the past few months and what it might mean for the festival next year. Nine Inch Nails' Future Ruins Festival has been cancelled, Rush announces a surprise 2026 tour, and we share some hot takes on Taylor Swift’s new album.

Listen to this week's episode with our coverage of CaveFest 2025 here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!

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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:03:33) Bonnaroo updates and speculation

(00:06:09) Nine Inch Nails festival cancelled

(00:08:41) Rush tour announced

(00:12:42) Taylor Swift's new record

(00:24:20) Bonnaroo merch

(00:27:11) CaveFest Coverage

(00:52:33) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Radiohead, Oasis & Nine Inch Nails: The 90s Rock Revival Taking Over Festivals

Taylor Swift vs. Pixies - Actually Romantic/Where Is My Mind Mashup

Wood Brothers: Luckiest Man

Radiohead Vs. The Hollies

How The Caverns Became Tennessee's Premier Music Destination

Caveman Chronicles by Todd Mayo on Amazon

Thumbnail photo by: Elizabeth Thorpe

Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass!

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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.

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