Probably going to get buried but here's my story.
I used to love music. I would pang at the radio for that new guitar friendly jam that I could then look up on OLGA (when it was a thing) and check out all the tabs to figure out how the guitarist made the melody fit with the chords.
Fast forward several years, I am 18 and finally in Boston at the Berklee college of music. I have no clue what I an doing here but know that I love music (especially melodic death metal) enough to want to continue my life revolving around music. 4 years later and tons of experiences later I graduate and move to Nashville to take an internship at LOST HIGHWAY records. Whaaaat!
I slowly realize that the music industry isn't what I imagined it would be and is mostly marketed to folks who don't care what the music MEANS but what IMAGE they are selling.
My brother convinces me to go home to our home state and get my masters in business. During this time I realize that there is NO WAY I am ever going to be "that dude" and violently repel against the standard college system.
My favorite times I have ever remembered have been me playing guitar while my brother played drums in my shitty little house. So much energy flowing there and do much real feeling poured out into those floors in the terribly converted garage.
Cut to 8 years later
I am living in Clarksville Tennessee. I own a 72 VW Bus that I am restoring and I have never been to Bonnaroo. I have been in the military for 8 years with 8 deployments to various combat zones. I am a purple heart recipient and a valor award recipient.
If I could give it all back to have that time with my brother and I jamming in my shitty house then I would do so.
I'd give back all the accolades and thanks for just one more hour with him there.
I'm not writing this as a sympathy plea but more as a cathartic mess. Bonnaroo would be great, but what I wish for mostly is to take my brother to another show and just FEEL it with him.
Regardless of who you pick, I hope they have a great time. My brother and I are both father's now and we have plenty to do and think about.
Thanks for offering up the tickets. I respect and commend you for doing so!!!