One of the first major festivals of the year has begun. It’s been nearly two years since the works has seen a giant festival thanks to the pandemic, but the tides are turning. Lollapalooza has been a staple in music for 30 years- the first event was held in 1991. Originally a touring festival, Lolla has found its home in Chicago’s Grant Park since 2005. It’s always been huge- but it’s triumphant return may be the biggest year yet.
The lineup this year is stacked, with Day 1 alone featuring the likes of Aly & AJ, Playboi Carti, Illenium, All Time Low, and Miley Cyrus. (for a complete lineup, look here: https://www.lollapalooza.com/lineup)The crowds reflect that- by mid afternoon it was impossible to even get through some walkways because of all the people. The excitement was palpable. Nearly everyone seemed like they were having a great time. Having your sweaty body pressed up against thousands of other sweaty bodies as you have your hearing permanently damaged might not seem like a good time- but it’s what lots of people live for.
It wasn’t just the Lollapalooza attendees who seemed excited to be back. The artists were just as happy- if not more so- to be playing again. Aly and AJ, Orville Peck, All Time Low, and even meme-lord Oliver Tree seemed to get emotional while talking about their comebacks. Most of these artists haven’t taken a stage in nearly two years, and it is truly an experience to see someone return to what they love. There were tears shed onstage and off as tens of thousands of people shared the experience of live music for the first time in too long. The weather was beautiful, the vibes were wonderful, and the music was fantastic. There were no bad times to be had at Lollapalooza. And we’re only on Day 1.
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