While cultural and financial institutions crumble left and right, the mighty rock festival trudges on unscathed. Well, maybe a little scathed. We talk to the stars—super and rising—of this year’s big-ticket circuit to find out what’s changing this season, and even better, what isn’t.

BY CHARLES AARON, ELLEN CARPENTER, ABIGAIL EVERDELL, STEVE KANDELL, DAVID MARCHESE, PHOEBE REILLY

GET BET TER MILEAGE WITH SPIN.COM / MAY 2009 59