[Review] Lollapalooza celebrates 25 anniversary in a big way
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)
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.
Five reasons why we're hyped for Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza, Chicago's biggest music festival, is just around the corner! Celebrating it's 25th anniversary there are dozens of reasons why to be hyped this years Lolla.
Lolla first announced an additional day to the usual three festival day festival making it four days of unforgettable unstop action. That additional day adds a rooster of incredible acts that will take from Chicago July 28 – 30.
Below is a list of just five reason why Lolla is controlling our life’s with anticipation.
Crowd favorites
Lollapalooza brings out the best artist to Chicago. Many artists return from last year’s music festival because of their continuing growth in popularity from last year. Returning artist like G-Eazy and Halsey are the faces of a young generation of music lovers.
Performers like J Cole and Red Hot Chili Peppers are highly anticipated because of deep fan base.
Chicago’s own heavyweights
Last year’s Lollapalooza was solid with a mixture of pop, rock, and electric music. Something that was lacking a bit was the hip-hop and rap performers. Chicago’s own homegrown talent Saba, Towkio, Joey Purp, and Vic Mensa has us covered this year.
Chicago is making a statement with both Joey Purp and Vic Mensa closing off a night at Lollapalooza, respectfully.
Mensa’s history with Lollapalooza is almost story book like. From Mensa's well documented near death experience with sneaking into the festival before his career took off to now closing one of the main stages on Saturday, July 30. Mensa will take the lead in bringing the young Chicago talent to the Lolla stages.
25th anniversary
It’s been twenty-five years since Jane Addiction singer Perry Farrell created Lollapalooza. Lollapalooza was created as a farewell tour for the band. Now Lollapalooza has expanded to international countries like Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Germany.
Making Lollapalooza an official Chicago music festival in 2005. The festival was hitting the road before then. It first started off as a two-day music festival only bringing in 70 acts. The festival has since exploded cementing it’s place as one of the best music festivals in the country.
Lollapalooza is going big this year making it a can’t miss attraction for years to come.
Extra day, Extra fun
When Lolla makeed Chicago it’s official home in 2005 was a two-day festival. Now eleven years later, Lollapalooza will be doubling up for the first time extending the usual three-day festival into four days.
Starting a day before the usual festivities begin the artists that have been announced are stacked! Artist that have us looking forward to Thursday, July 28 include: Kehlani, Towkio, Melanie Martinez, G-Eazy, The 1975, Lana Del Rey, and J. Cole.
Lollapalooza week is music paradise
Lollapalooza brings thousands of people to Chicago drawing them in with jam packed shows. This year if you didn’t buy a Lollapalooza pass you can still get into the action with non-affiliated shows. These show are taking advantage of Lollapalooza week. Check back to Ruby Hornet for our top after parties at attend during Lollapalooza week.
The biggest draws are after parties for Lolla artists but heavy hitters like Drake and Future will be in Chicago Lollapalooza week.
Vic Mensa releases 'Free Love' ft Lil B, Malik Yusef, Halsey and Le1f
Chicago's own Vic Mensa released 'Free Love' over the weekend. In a post all across his social media platforms, Mensa explains his release.
Mensa on 'Free Love'
"What a moment in time. Love is under attack from all angles. I saw a photo on CNN of 49 birds flying over a vigil they were holding in Orlando for the 49 souls lost at Pulse nightclub. John Lennon once said he didn't fear death, he considered it to be like getting out of one car into another. In the midst of such horrid tragedy, I found beauty in that image. It's stuck with me ever since...Looking at the world around me, I realize now that as a creature of love, the battles of all people fighting to love are also mine. And I will stand with them. Will you?"
Mensa is addressing the attack on a gay Orlando nightclub, Pulse. Which resulted in killing 49 people and injuring dozens more. For the full text visit here.
Mensa recuits Chicago's Malik Yusef, Le1f, Halsey, and Lil B. Respectfully these artists all show their support for the victims of the Orlando attack while supporting Mensa's message of free love for all.
Listen to the song below.
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Lollapalooza announces over 55 afterparties for 25th anniversary
There’s going to be plenty of incredible music to check out during Lollapalooza. If you missed your chance to snag up passes now’s your chance to get in on the action with these stacked afterparties.
For six nights, the schedule is on out to catch some of your favorite artist throughout Chicago. Announced artists like: Major Lazer, Vice Staples, Two Door Cinema Club, Mac Miller, and Halsey all headline their own afterparty.
Afterparties are a great way to see your favorite artist in an intimate setting. With other heavy hitters like Janes Addication and X Ambassadors set to host their own afterparties we known tickets will go fast.
With over 110 musical acts Lollapalooza afterparty tickets go on sale Friday, June 3 at 10 a.m. CT.
For the view list of afterparities visit Lollapalooza’s site here.
