Lollapalooza 2009
The dynamic and interesting metropolis of Chicago was the epicenter of a huge phenomena early this month. Heavy storms of rock and roll mixed with indie winds and intense electro sun rays smashed Grant Park. More than 250,000 people were reported wearing wristbands, fashionista hats, sunglasses and shorts. They danced for three days, non-stop. After an overdose of musical heat and good vibes, the only word they would say was Lollapalooza! [Photo via Frumpyali]
Lollapalooza is one of those epic music festivals around the world, just like Coachella or Glastonbury. It was created by Perry Farrell, the former singer of Jane’s Addiction, in the early 90s, and after some bad years, it was back in shape with an incredibly eclectic lineup featuring huge artists like Depeche Mode, Tool, Lou Reed, Snoop Dog, alongside contemporary bands like The Killers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio, Arctic Monkeys, and DJs like MSTRKRFT, Boys Noize and even the 9 year old guitar prodigy, Yuto Miyasawa.
The location had eight stages and dozens of tents with everything a music festival fan needs, from bottled wine to hammocks. The two main stages were 10-20 minutes away, depending on the human traffic jams and the smaller catchy venues on the way. The most vibrant corner was Perry’s, where the electro beats trapped thousands during the three day party. The most happy corner was Kidzpalloza, a sort of kids garden in the middle of the festival. Awesome.
This year’s Lollapalooza experience started with a gray, muddy and rainy friday. Bon Iver, Crystal Castles, Peter Bjorn and John, and The Decemberists were some of the bands playing in the park under the rain. The closing acts, Kings of Leon and Depeche Mode, blew the clouds away for the rest of the weekend.
A sunny and dry Chicago greeted the crowds for a second day of surprises, like the energetic performance of Miike Snow, Santigold’s cover of The Cure’s Killing an Arab, and the outstanding show given by Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who replaced the legendary Beastie Boys, who unfortunately cancelled as this day’s closing act. When you forget the lyrics of one of the most popular songs and the crowd doesn’t care and support, your show must be spectacular. Karen O did it.
Sunday was hot. The stunning skyline was the perfect frame for unforgettable shows by Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit, and Kaiser Chiefs. Two very different legends appeared on stage before the closing acts: Lou Reed, not fulfilling the crowd expectations, and the powerful Snoop Dog, with an impressive crowd management act. The finale was reserved for the popular Vegas boys The Killers on one side and the host’s former band reunion on the other: Jane’s Addiction. Both acts stamped the festival in the memory of all the spectators. One unforgettable weekend. One amazing city. One answer to the i question: ‘would you go again to Lolla?’
Yes.
Tagged: Chicago, Jane's Addiction, Kaiser Chiefs, Lollapalooza 2009, Passion Pit, Vampire Weekend, Yeah Yeah Yeahs
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