Roots Picnic Apologizes After 'Fyre Fest' Comparisons

Questlove Explains Rain-Delayed “Disaster” On Day 1 Of The 2025 Roots Picnic, But The Show Goes On

In the early hours of Sunday morning, Questlove responded to the “Fyre Fest” feedback about the Roots Picnic. He revealed that organizers “nearly canceled” the 18th annual festival due to safety concerns. Rather than call it off, he said the team scrambled to save the site during that three-hour delay.

“Transforming the Mann Center into our event takes about two weeks, but as many of you experienced, heavy rain from May 30th into the morning of the 31st caused significant damage (midnight to 7am). We nearly canceled The Picnic because conditions were unsafe for everyone involved.

Ultimately, we chose to take extra time to repair the site to ensure safety for all ticket holders, which is why there was a 3hr delay. (Yes I got numerous messages from attendees, family, everyone in the tristate) but we prioritized caution above all else,” he wrote.

The post featured a video of construction equipment hauling the mulch that helped to salvage the night.

“After working hard to improve the site—factoring in the challenge of finding mulch to absorb excess water—we managed to revise the schedule so that all artists, including headliners Maxwell (whom we ALL owe an incredible amount of gratitude for doing us a solid with seconds on the clock) and Latto could perform without violating city noise curfews.

“(Im personally thanking all the Live Nation Staff—led by Shawn Gee for moving at lightening speed in solving the many obstacle and puzzles it took to even make today happen),” he continued, thanking everyone for “understanding and patience through this adversity.”

Day 1 Of The Roots Festival

Rain or shine, Latto, Tems, GloRilla, Miguel, and Maxwell still took the stage with performances that ride-or-die fans said were worth the wait.

Day 2 Of The Roots Picnic

Heading into Day 2, organizers posted a sunnier forecast for the day and promised to “do better.” The apology noted the feat of pulling off the Saturday performances “without violating city noise curfews.”

Once again, crowds showed up, and the stacked roster of stars showed out.

Sunday’s lineup featured a Clipse reunion, CeeLo Green and the Backyard Band, Lenny Kravitz, Kaytranada, 2Chainz, Philly’s own Meek Mill, and, of course, The Roots.

Even with the disappointing start to the weekend, the 2025 Roots Picnic was definitely one for the record books! There was no shortage of feedback for the organizers, so hopefully it will only make next year even bigger and better.