Q&A: An Interview with Movement’s Pineapple Guy

Photo by KoPhotoVogue

If you attended Movement Electronic Music Festival in Detroit this year, it is more than likely that you either spotted or heard of the Pineapple Man.

During the festival weekend, and the days following it, Facebook became alive with sightings of the Pineapple Man. Countless videos, photos and even memes were posted celebrating the exotic fruit held aloft by a man donning a blue scarf. Hundreds sang his praises, while also wondering just how he managed to hold the large piece of fruit up in the sky for so long throughout the three days.

Despite the many questions, one thing was clear: the pineapple made people smile, enhancing their festival experience in a way no other fruit has possibly ever done before. In a sea of techno black, the tropical fruit added color and united people both at the festival and in social media groups in the days following the weekend.

I had the chance to get to know a little about Perry Finley, aka the Pineapple Man or Guy, with a quick chat following the fest. Despite having the pineapple well over his head for approximately 20-24 hours over the weekend, he assured me that his arm was completely fine ahead of our talk! You can now follow the Pineapple in action via Facebook!

I spotted you at Movement several times, first in the RenCen hotel lobby I think, then of course at the festival. How could I not? You were everywhere! Is this the first festival where you made an appearance as the Pineapple Man?

The pineapple has served as a loyal companion at a few festivals. Gratifly 2014 – a small Burner gathering in South Carolina that is no longer happening – was the first event at which I began toting my succulent associate. Since then my commitment has escalated with this past Envision and Movement really taking it to the next level.

Why pineapple? Why not mango, or a melon?

Mangos are a dime a dozen and melons are too pretentious.

One of the many Pineapple memes posted on FB. Credit: Adam Dannewitz

What is the significance of the pineapple?

First I have to stress that the pineapple was never about me. It was about everyone else. There are a few reasons:

• Pineapples are a universal symbol of hospitality. Everyone is just looking to find their niche, and music festivals feel like “home” for many people.
• The sacred geometry present within the fruit’s structure is fascinating. Without diving too far down the rabbit hole, it’s a reminder that we are all connected and every gesture ripples way beyond the source.
• It’s an awesome way to meet people. Some of my closest relationships have stemmed from carrying around a pineapple. If nothing else, it’s a great conversation starter and shows you don’t take yourself too serious.
• Portable and recognizable.
• High nutrition density.
• Delicious.
• Pineapples like techno too.

Was there a point where you almost gave up and thought to yourself, “Man, holding this pineapple up all day just isn’t worth it!” If so, what kept you going?

Nope. That pretty little pina was like a lightning rod throughout the weekend. Every smile, laugh, and gesture channeled that positive energy right into my arm and kept that pineapple pumping at all times.

I like to draw parallels between commitment to holding up the pineapple and commitment to any thing else in life. Consistency is key in any pursuit. From a social standpoint, Movement was like a blank canvas and the pineapple was my medium. Walking in on the first day I was thoroughly intrigued at the idea of what would happen if I just held this thing over my head every feasible moment while inside the venue