Photo by Roger Ho

Friday night at Bonnaroo 2023 brought a wave of excitement as icon, rapper and Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar took the stage at the festival’s iconic What Stage. As the clock struck 11 p.m., the field was filled with eager fans who had spent a scorching day enjoying a vast array of curated music.

Acknowledging the crowd’s exhaustion, Lamar paused during his performance of “Element,” a track from his 2017 album DAMN., to address the audience. He called out, “Is anyone alive out there?” and received a spirited response, with some fans even serenading him with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” as he turned 36 at midnight.

Lamar has had a longstanding relationship with Bonnaroo, having performed multiple times since his debut in 2012. That same year marked a turning point in his career when he signed with Interscope Records and Dr. Dre’s influential Aftermath label, propelling him toward superstardom.

However, it had been years since Lamar graced the festival’s main stage in Manchester, Tenn. This time, he returned to Bonnaroo in support of his 2022 release, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, his first album in five years. The sonically diverse LP delves into themes of trauma, fame, and identity.

Lamar’s performance was accompanied by top-tier production: he was dressed in vibrant pink wide-legged pants and accompanied by a choreographed group of dancers in aprons; Lamar mesmerized the crowd with performances of “King Kunta” and the title track from DAMN., injecting a surge of energy into the late-night atmosphere. The songs “Love,” “Humble,” and “Loyalty” resonated particularly strongly with the fervent fans.

Lamar’s prowess as a gifted lyricist has solidified his status as one of modern music’s most influential artists. However, according to several local outlets, the performance at Bonnaroo seemed to lack the connection that many in the massive audience were seeking. With minimal onstage banter and more of a focus on cerebral verses, Lamar’s show didn’t fully resonate with the thousands who had gathered. Perhaps recognizing this, Lamar bid farewell to the crowd, expressing his love before leaving the stage more than 15 minutes earlier than anticipated.

In addition to Lamar’s return, Friday at Bonnaroo 2023 also featured Portugal. The Man, who took to the stage as headliners. The band, which has evolved from performing in small tents to securing a spot as a second headliner, delighted fans with their signature sound. Notably, they also hosted an album listening party for their forthcoming LP, creating a special experience for festival-goers.

Bonnaroo’s second day showcased the raw talent and musical diversity that has made the festival a beloved annual tradition. With Kendrick Lamar’s long-awaited return, Portugal. The Man’s captivating performance and album preview, and the array of gifted performers highlighted throughout the day, Friday, reached the heights of musical excellence Bonnaroo has established over the years since its inception.