Lolla at five

Three-day bash hits Grant Park this weekend

08/05/2009 10:00 PM

By PHIL MOREHART
Contributing Reporter

3 Comments - Add Your Comment


Chicago’s run of summer music shows culminates this weekend with the grandfather of all contemporary American rock ‘n’ roll festivals. That’s right, folks: Lollapalooza is stomping back into town.

Now in its 13th year (and fifth in Grant Park), the festival is one of the nation’s largest both in scope and size. This year’s installment features 182 bands on eight stages. Grant Park will also be packed with people, each having shelled out between $80 to $850 — or far more — for tickets.

Last year’s show boasted sell-out crowds approximately 225,000 deep. The numbers resulted in a shoulder-to-shoulder experience, with people inching through the park, craning their necks for brief glimpses of their favorite bands; ridiculously long restroom, beer and food lines; and ears straining to hear the music over the chatter of thousands more interested in the party. Conventional wisdom points to a repeat this year, especially considering the speedy advance sale of festival passes.

The enthusiasm is surprising considering some of this year’s acts. Though vibrant, the main draws — Depeche Mode, Jane’s Addiction, Tool, Ben Harper, Snoop Dogg — are dated. They would have fit better in Lollapalooza circa 1995 rather than 2009. And the presence of legendary ex-Velvet Underground front man Lou Reed is odd, as well. His slot is well earned, but the statesman sits conspicuous amongst some of the younger talent.

Overbooking is a concern, too. Though incredible live performers, TV on the Radio and Dan Auerbach (of The Black Keys) are both vets of recent Lollapaloozas. Their slots could have been filled more creatively.

These complaints can’t mask positives, however. The chaos is balanced by many superb acts.

The Second City finds fine representation via Andrew Bird, Joe Pug and Chicago ex-pat Neko Case. Experimental acts Dan Deacon, Deerhunter, Crystal Castles and No Age add cool points. Coheed and Cambria, Rise Against and Tool fill the headbanger slots perfectly. Bon Iver, Lykke Li and Fleet Foxes bring much-needed indie cred.

Do these musical pros outweigh the logistical cons? That’s a tough question to answer. The festival is an interesting musical buffet, but sampling the tastes requires dexterous, tolerant and often Herculean efforts.

If you’re up to the challenge, Lollapalooza just might be for you.


3 Comments - Add Your Comment



By Joe
Posted: 08/06/2009 12:13 PM

How are the facts not straight? Dan is most definitely "a vet of recent Lollapaloozas." You should use your brain before you post stupid, petty comments.


By Phil Morehart
Posted: 08/06/2009 9:38 AM

Thanks for the comment, Steve. Yes, The Black Keys and Auerbach's solo output are two separate entities. However, considering that The Black Keys played both the 2007 and 2008 fests, is an appearance by Auerbach solo this year really creative booking? I don't think so. Perhaps my wording could have been clearer. Regardless, I'm sure he'll deliver an excellent set (he's on Chicago Journal's must-see list). Thanks. Phil


By steve
Posted: 08/06/2009 8:54 AM

dan auerbach has never played lollapalooza as a solo artist. he has with his band The Black Keys but that is a completely different thing. you should get your facts straight before you go to print.