March 28, 2024

Review: Lollapalooza Celebrated its 25th year anniversary with incredible musical moments

Lollapalooza

The Chicago staple of music festival excellence brought forth yet another unforgettable weekend of music and stellar performances. Lollapalooza celebrating it’s 25th anniversary in the biggest way possible. Extending the festival to four days created a marathon of incredible musical moments.Lollapalooza had many highlights that came from inside and outside the music festival. Chicago transformed from the city with broad shoulders into, during for the four-day festival, music mecca.

The first two days had rain showers that spanned over a few hours. The temporary muggy start didn’t effect the mega celebration of the 25th anniversary. In fact, the only set backs to the festival were the uncontrollable rain and that the festival is already over.

Over the years Lolla grew not only in size but it also grew in multiple genres. It first started as an alternative rock festival in 1991 as a farewell tour for Jane’s Addiction. Now with over 170 acts and an extended four-day festival, Lollapalooza provided many history making moments.

It was announced by Lollapalooza that next year’s music festival will also be a 4 day festival.

Thursday, July 28 (Day 1)

J. Cole performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre on July 28, 2015.

Lollapalooza fixed up this problem from past years. The clear winner to the first night was hip-hop. Hip-hop actually had a deeper impact throughout the festival but it made a bold statement the first night with performances from Chicago’s own Towkio, G-Eazy, and J. Cole. Danny Brown also gained many fans with his energetic performance. Towkio brought out Chicago’s Joey Purp and Vic Mensa in a complete Chicago music takeover. Towkio from sneaking into Lollapalooza before his musical break to now setting the stage definitely was a crowd pleasure.

Another Chicago artist made headlines closing off the Perry’s stage this time from the electronic music duo Flosstradamus. They didn’t disappoint bringing their signature non-stop thrill ride of electric beats. They also brought out surprise guest Chance The Rapper, Michelle Williams, and Dwyane Wade.

From “Wet Dreamz” to “Work Out”, J. Cole stole the show with non-stop performance of hit after hit. With no back track, fans matched Cole jumping and rapping along with the Dreamville rapper. It’s important to note that Cole was the only rapper to close off the Samsung stage throughout the weekend. The others were Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and LCD Soundsystem. The biggest stage at Lollapalooza was the perfect fit for J. Cole’s unforgettable set.

Friday, July 29 (Day 2)

Mac Miller. Photo: Jesse Pizano

The momentum continued into the second day despite of the grey skies and scattered rain. Mac Miller stood out as a crowd favorite. Many artists stood out as the second day continued the action of incredible musical acts from Future, Mo, Saba, and Alessia Cara the second day didn’t disappoint. Miller performed what is now a 2016 Republican nominee anthem. Miller has been out of the limelight but with his performance at Lollapalooza it was great seeing the Pittsburgh rapper step back into action. 

Swedish heavy metal band Ghost also had the opportunity to gain many fans as they brought out their strangely attractive metal fist into the Lollapalooza crowd’s face. Major Lazer was highly anticipated with rumors of surprised guest. But when Justin Bieber was a no show fans still enjoyed every second of the electronic music group. The only downfall was the tech problems that cut their set short.Radiohead didn’t disappoint fans who rushed the stage since the gates were open at 11 a.m. for the 8 p.m. start time.

Radiohead returned to Lollapalooza after headlining it eight years ago. Their live performance brought on their latest album “A Moon Shaped Pool” into life.

Saturday July 30 (Day 3)

Big Grams Group

Entering the final stretch, the festival wear and tear was taking a toll on the festival goers. That didn’t stop the momentum of the large crowds from enjoying the clear skies and fantastic action from a stacked lineup.

Must see attractions included: Big Grams (Big Boi + Phantogram), X Ambassadors, Jane’s Addiction, and Hardwell. It’s hard to standout from any lineup but these performances seemed to break the mold.

The first, Leon Bridges brought Lollapalooza back into the 60’s with his smooth cool performance from “Smooth Sailin” to “Coming Home”. His slow soul music and accompany band brought a different sound to Lollapalooza. A sound that was needed and met with open arms.

The nostalgia and warm hearted feeling continued with Red Hot Chili Peppers taking the stage.Performing hits from “Californication” to most recent “Dark Necessities”, the Red Hot Chili Peppers brought an unforgettable experience to Lollapalooza. Their live performance was one of the undoubtedly most memorable Lollapalooza performances in years that night.

That other honor goes to Chicago’s own Vic Mensa. Mensa’s Lollapalooza performance wasn’t only for the festival goers, but also for him and more importantly Chicago. His personal set gave us a look inside the mind and heart of the rapper. His captivating performance was met with messages of love and acceptances. Opening with “16 Shots” a song about the shooting of Laquan McDonald, Mensa wanted us to get to his level. Bringing out Joey Purp, Mensa was also joined by backup dancers dressed in police riot gear. Mensa also shared his social views with his song “Free Love”. Mensa brought his heart on his sleeve and spoke his message into the mic for not only Lollapalooza to hear but also the world.

Sunday, July 31 (Day 4)

Staples, Vince, Rapper

The final day of Lollapalooza was bittersweet. Before the gates even opened the fact of entering reality instead of musical mecca that is Lollapalooza started to take its toll. Regardless of the finish line, Lollapalooza went out with a bang. Attending and surviving three days of Lollapalooza is an achievement in itself. The final day saw unforgettable performances from: VHS Collection, Sir The Baptist, and Vice Staples.

Halsey an uprising artist returned this year moving up from a smaller stage to the main Samsung stage. Performing songs from her “Badlands” album, Halsey drove deep into one personal side for her set. She made Lollapalooza her own with her personal and moving set.

Flume one of the only electronic artist to perform on the Samsung stage drew a heavy crowd for his laidback set. He also brought out Vic Mensa and support from others to help create a melodic atmosphere.

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