Since launching in 1991, Lollapalooza has established itself as one of many preeminent music festivals on the earth.
It was Perry Farrell, the Jane’s Dependancy frontman and an influential chief within the alt rock motion, who envisioned an occasion the place proficient artists from “fringe” genres – various, rap, punk, industrial, digital, just about something besides pop or nation – may assemble and carry out. Everybody can be welcomed – the truth is, the extra of a “weirdo” or “freak” you had been, the extra you’d be embraced.
“I thought of all of the wonderful, fantastic people who I might convey collectively,” Farrell mirrored a long time later. “Not simply the artists, however the individuals themselves. The patrons, the people who listened to it. The punk rockers or the post-punk rockers and the rappers, all these wild individuals.”
The idea was virtually instantly embraced.
“[Lollapalooza] was the Declaration of Independence of the choice nation,” Tom Morello defined within the trailer for the three-part documentary collection Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza.
What began as a touring competition developed through the years, even disappearing for a while earlier than returning as a single-weekend occasion. Naturally, the Lollapalooza has modified with time as properly. What began as decidedly anti-corporate now has a protracted checklist of main sponsors, whereas the lineups are inclined to skew extra in the direction of pop, hip-hop and EDM artists.
Nonetheless, Lollapalooza’s roots are – and at all times shall be – within the rock world. And over greater than 30 years, the competition has welcomed most of the best rock acts on the planet to its stage. We combed by means of the archives (and our personal private reminiscence banks) to assemble our checklist of Lollapalooza’s 20 Biggest Rock Performances.
20. Journey (2021)
When Lollapalooza introduced its 2021 lineup, Journey stood out like a sore thumb. Clearly, the band’s resume is spectacular, however stacked amongst acts like Put up Malone, Miley Cyrus and Megan Thee Stallion, one couldn’t assist however marvel if Neal Schon and firm had been miscast. Then, the band took the stage on July 31, 2021 and fully blew everybody away. From emphatic opener “Separate Methods (Worlds Aside)” to triumphant nearer “Don’t Cease Believin’,” Journey cranked out hit after hit from their outstanding catalog. Schon tore by means of a number of searing riffs all through the gig, whereas frontman Arnel Pineda was pitch-perfect all night time (even whereas showcasing some acrobatic dance strikes). The band’s set was later launched as a stay album and DVD, Stay in Live performance at Lollapalooza.
19. Black Sabbath (2012)
There have been many questions surrounding Black Sabbath’s headlining set at Lollapalooza 2012. Would the reunited steel icons be capable to win over a crowd largely made up of millennials and gen-x-ers? Might the band’s members – all of their 60s on the time and affected by varied illnesses – be capable to deal with the trials of a two-hour headlining set? Black Sabbath answered these questions and others like them by delivering a pulverizing efficiency on Lollapalooza’s principal stage. Was it excellent? Properly, no. Regardless of displaying loads of power, Ozzy Osbourne’s voice appeared to waiver at occasions, and there have been a few minor technical points that briefly slowed the efficiency’s momentum. Nonetheless, Tony Iommi was in particularly wonderful kind because the band blitzed by means of such classics as “Iron Man,” “Battle Pigs,” “Candy Leaf” and “Paranoid.” Alongside the way in which, Black Sabbath taught a brand new technology of followers what made them heavy steel giants.
18. Pavement (1995)
Lollapalooza 1995 skewed in an indie course, with Sonic Youth, the Jesus Lizard and Pavement main the way in which. The latter group had scored their greatest hit with “Minimize Your Hair” a 12 months prior and had been having fun with a interval of vital acclaim. Nonetheless, audiences had been used to extra mainstream acts – resembling Pink Scorching Chili Peppers and Smashing Pumpkins – and the Lollapalooza crowds had been typically polarized by Pavement’s lo-fi fashion. One present particularly went down in infamy, as the gang in Charles City, W.V. pelted Pavement with mud till the band promptly reduce their set quick and exited with their center fingers within the air. It’s a disgrace a few of the crowds didn’t give Stephen Malkmus and firm an opportunity, contemplating how good they really sounded. Hindsight being 20/20, the band definitely deserved a greater response.
17. Instrument (1997)
Gloomy theatrics? Verify. A penchant for the surprising? Verify. Dynamic materials and a quickly rising fan base? Verify and verify as soon as extra. Instrument actually had all the appropriate elements after they set out on Lollapalooza’s 1997 version. The 33-date trek didn’t ship as a lot hype as its predecessors – different acts resembling Snoop Dogg, Orbital and the Prodigy had been met with blended reactions at varied stops. However Instrument was the standout act, repeatedly stealing the highlight from artists larger on the invoice. Led by Maynard James Keenan’s brooding magnetism, the group tore by means of materials from 1993’s Undertow and 1996’s Ænima (then their most up-to-date launch). It would not be till 12 years later that they returned to the competition as soon as extra.
16. The Treatment (2013)
Seeing the Treatment at a large summer season competition isn’t preferrred – the band’s materials is made for darker, extra intimate settings, and the summer season warmth tends to make followers’ eyeliner run. And but right here was Robert Smith’s group in 2013, delivering a fascinating headlining set on the Lollapalooza stage. The Treatment caught to the hits, of which they’ve many. “Photos of You,” “Simply Like Heaven,” “Friday I’m in Love” and Fascination Avenue” had been among the many many memorable tunes carried out that night time, but the band by no means appeared to be going by means of the motions with their traditional materials, delivering the songs with power and freshness.
15. Devo (1996)
Eccentric new wave isn’t usually the kind of music you’d anticipate to captivate a competition crowd, however Devo isn’t any typical act. The Akron, Ohio group made their Lollapalooza debut in 1996 and gained over followers at each cease with their distinctive and engrossing stay performances. Issues went so properly that they got here again the next 12 months and did all of it once more, then returned as soon as extra for the 2010 version. Might anybody have predicted that these energy dome-wearing ‘80s rockers would grow to be Lollapalooza regulars? Not going. Nonetheless, we’ve realized through the years that these guys ought to by no means be doubted. In any case, they’re not males – they’re Devo.
14. Queens of the Stone Age (2013)
Some acts look to impress with pyrotechnics or colourful mild shows. Queens of the Stone Age have little interest in such issues, and as a substitute purpose to overwhelm followers with their distinctive model of rock. That’s precisely what Josh Homme and firm did in 2013 after they took the stage at Lollapalooza. Then contemporary off the discharge of their sixth studio album, …Like Clockwork, the group churned by means of fascinating new materials like “My God Is the Solar” and “I Sat by the Ocean,” whereas additionally mixing in loads of their earlier hits, together with “No One Is aware of” and “Little Sister.” Homme was in command all through the set, fluctuating between aggressive and acerbic at varied factors within the efficiency. These searching for bells and whistles possible headed in the direction of the EDM stage, however for followers like us who indulge in pure, unfiltered rock, there was no higher place to be.
13. Ramones (1996)
After releasing their closing album, 1995’s ¡Adios Amigos!, the Ramones accepted a proposal to be a part of the 1996 Lollapalooza lineup. For 22 dates, the band joined the touring fest, delivering their hyperactive tunes to audiences throughout America for the ultimate time. The vastly influential punk group’s significance was not misplaced on attendees, as droves of followers turned out to mosh to “Blitzkrieg Bop” one final time. Lollapalooza served as a swan tune for the Ramones, although they did play one closing present after the competition ended – Aug. 6, 1996 on the Palace in Los Angeles.
12. 9 Inch Nails (1991)
Certain, the 1991 model of 9 Inch Nails that carried out on the debut Lollapalooza was very completely different from the 9 Inch Nails that may come later. The Downward Spiral was nonetheless three years away and Trent Reznor had solely proven flashes of the genius he would later persistently unleash. However what NIN lacked in expertise they greater than made up for in ferocity, as Reznor hit each Lollapalooza stage with a starvation in contrast to some other act. There have been bumps alongside the way in which, together with technical points that resulted in Reznor trashing his gear on a couple of event. Nonetheless, the aggression on show was palpable and an indication of future issues to return from 9 Inch Nails.
11. Arcade Hearth (2005)
Lollapalooza went by means of some adjustments within the early 2000s. After briefly reviving the touring model in 2003, weak gross sales compelled the cancellation of the 2004 version. In 2005, Lollapalooza returned as a single weekend competition in Chicago, because it has remained ever since. On the time, nobody knew if this model of the fest would falter simply because the touring model had, so success was crucial for survival. The lineup included a powerful mix of well-established artist – together with Billy Idol, Pixies and Weezer – with a brand new wave of up-and-coming acts, such because the Killers, the Black Keys and Arcade Hearth. The latter band actually made essentially the most of their time within the highlight, delivering a high-energy set of indie rock that left followers and critics alike raving. Although Arcade Hearth solely had one album of fabric on the time, the Canadian group wowed with a stunning set filled with uncooked emotion. It was an indication of issues to return, and a springboard to their extremely profitable profession.
10. Depeche Mode (2009)
A large wall of white mild engulfed the stage as Depeche Mode stepped out to carry out their headlining set at Lollapalooza 2009. The legendary English act, who’re no strangers to large crowds, then proceeded to provide a masterclass on tips on how to dazzle a competition viewers. Frontman Dave Gahan was in wonderful kind as he slinkily moved throughout the stage, dancing, gyrating and inspiring the gang to sing alongside as he delivered a lot of Depeche Mode’s traditional hits. Tunes like “Coverage of Fact,” “Benefit from the Silence” and “By no means Let Me Down Once more” clearly resonated with the viewers, even when many followers in attendance weren’t even born when these songs had been launched.
9. Iggy & the Stooges (2007)
Whereas the single-weekend format of Lollapalooza has delivered loads of memorable moments, it has typically lacked a few of the urgency and frenetic power of the early years’ touring mannequin. Thank god for bands like Iggy & the Stooges, who can present up and switch the whole competition on its head. 4 years after they initially reunited, the proto-punk legends stormed into Chicago for 2007’s fest. Their set was one of the crucial blissfully chaotic scenes in Lollapalooza historical past, with hundreds of followers going wild. Issues hit a frantic peak when the gang stormed the stage throughout a rendition of “No Enjoyable.” Iggy Pop, who gleefully lapped up the mayhem, helped restore simply sufficient order to complete out the set.
8. Soundgarden + Temple of the Canine (1992)
This one is type of dishonest, however we are able to’t actually assist ourselves. Soundgarden had been a part of the 1992 Lollapalooza lineup, alongside acts resembling Pink Scorching Chili Peppers, Ministry and – most significantly – Pearl Jam. Soundgarden had led the grunge cost, as the primary of their sub-genre to signal a significant label deal. With 1991’s Badmotorfinger, they formally hit the mainstream, incomes a passionate fan base and even scoring a Grammy nomination. Soundgarden’s units had been exhilarating occasions, energy by one in every of rock’s most dynamic voices. Chris Cornell’s band would have earned a spot on our checklist on their very own, however that 1992 lineup gave them an opportunity to routinely group with buddies Pearl Jam. Unsurprisingly, the bands often morphed into Temple of the Canine, the grunge supergroup that scored a timeless hit with “Starvation Strike.” Contemplating how electrifying – and uncommon – a Temple of the Canine look proved to be through the years, we opted to allow them to share the No. 8 spot with Soundgarden.
7. Metallica (1996)
On the time of its announcement, Lollapalooza’s 1996 lineup was decried by many purists who felt the competition had one way or the other sullied its status by reserving steel giants Metallica because the headliner. Then James Hetfield and firm got here out and completely obliterated all preconceived notions in regards to the band. With energy and fury, Metallica transformed each non-believer, delivering such traditional tunes as “One,” “Enter Sandman,” “Nothing Else Issues” and “Grasp of Puppets.” The band additionally memorably welcomed Alice in Chains’ Jerry Cantrell onstage to affix them on “For Whom the Bell Tolls” throughout the closing two stops of the tour.
6. Foo Fighters (2011)
Dave Grohl was on the very first Lollapalooza, though he didn’t play. The drummer was in Los Angeles along with his new band on the time, Nirvana, as they labored on the album Nevermind. Intrigued by the inaugural competition’s lineup, the musicians determined to test it out. “Me and Kurt [Cobain] went down and we sat within the viewers and we thought, ‘Oh my god. Music is fucking altering. There’s 20,000 individuals right here. To see bands which are truly fucking cool! What the fuck? How did that occur?’” Grohl recalled a long time later when his band, Foo Fighters, headlined the 2011 Lollapalooza in Chicago. That night time, the Foos showcased all the pieces that has made them their technology’s premier rock act, with thunderous tunes and unbridled power. Even a torrential downpour couldn’t extinguish the band’s hearth, as Foo Fighters simply stored on taking part in. As an alternative of ruining the second, the rain turned one other ingredient of the efficiency, as hundreds of soaked and muddied followers sang and cheered with each observe.
5. Pearl Jam (1992)
When Pearl Jam was initially booked for Lollapalooza’s second 12 months, the Seattle grunge group was nonetheless unknown to many music followers outdoors of the Pacific Northwest. Their debut album, Ten, had been launched in ‘91, however gross sales had been sluggish and the band’s first two singles – “Alive” and “Even Stream” – had solely earned average radio airplay (a undeniable fact that appears surprising in hindsight). However by the point the summer season of ‘92 rolled round, grunge’s mainstream invasion was in full impact. Ten had ascended to grow to be one of many period’s greatest albums, and Pearl Jam was out of the blue one of many hottest bands on the earth. The group had an early time slot on Lollapalooza’s 1992 touring competition, however followers didn’t appear to thoughts, repeatedly turning out by the hundreds to mosh and crowd surf to their latest rock icons. In the meantime, Pearl Jam turned each set right into a raucous affair, with Eddie Vedder repeatedly climbing excessive atop the stage scaffolding throughout their performances.
4. Paul McCartney (2015)
Greater than 50 years into his unimaginable profession, Paul McCartney delivered a show-stopping headlining set at Lollapalooza 2015 that left followers – and fellow artists – in awe. Throughout 32 songs, Macca rocked by means of traditional materials from the Beatles, Wings and his solo catalog. Then 73 years outdated, the legendary musician confirmed no indicators of his age, propelling the hundreds in attendance to affix him in one of many greatest sing-alongs within the competition’s historical past. A rousing duet with Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard on “Get Again” was icing on the cake, as McCartney cemented his place in Lollapalooza lore.
3. Rage Towards the Machine (1993)
Rage Towards the Machine made their Lollapalooza debut in 1992, showing on the facet stage. By the next 12 months, the politically-charged rockers had been a principal stage act, and their fiery performances delivered a few of the competition’s most memorable moments. Then within the midst of their sudden rise to fame, Rage Towards the Machine routinely whipped followers right into a furry due to Tom Morello’s incendiary guitar, together with Zack de la Rocha’s impassioned vocals. Nonetheless, arguably their most legendary set featured no music in any respect. Throughout a cease in Philadelphia, the band protested Tipper Gore’s Mother and father Music Useful resource Heart – the censorship group accountable for the “Parental Advisory” stickers on CDs – by showing onstage completely bare, with black duct tape over their mouths. A reunited Rage Towards the Machine ultimately returned to Lollapalooza in 2008, displaying loads of their trademark depth (however a lot much less nudity).
2. Jane’s Dependancy (1991)
It’s inconceivable to debate Lollapalooza with out mentioning Jane’s Dependancy. In any case, the competition was the brainchild of frontman Perry Ferrell, and the entire thing wouldn’t exist if it hadn’t been initially devised as a framework for Jane’s farewell tour in 1991. In fact, Lollapalooza was rather more than that (and Jane’s Dependancy didn’t keep away for lengthy). Nonetheless, the inaugural 12 months set the excessive customary by which all different Lolla’s can be judged, and Jane’s Dependancy had been the unquestioned kings of the touring occasion. Ferrell’s dynamic onstage presence was in contrast to something seen earlier than, whereas Dave Navarro delivered blistering riffs at each cease. The band was additionally susceptible to do the surprising, like performing Sly and the Household Stone’s “Do not Name Me N—a, Whitey” alongside Ice-T. Jane’s Dependancy would return to Lollapalooza on a number of events, however 12 months one stays crucial.
1. Radiohead (2008)
Lower than a 12 months after releasing their mesmerizing LP In Rainbows, Radiohead took the stage to headline Lollapalooza. Loads of consideration was given to their new materials – and, given how unimaginable the songs had been, it’s not like every followers complained. However the band additionally delved into their spectacular again catalog, providing quite a lot of tunes from all through their profession. Throughout 24 songs, Radiohead showcased why they’re thought of among the many best rock acts from the previous 40 years. Including a colourful backdrop to the scene, fireworks from close by Soldier Discipline lit up the sky because the band performed “All the pieces in Its Proper Place” and “Pretend Plastic Timber,” a spine-tingling second for the hundreds of followers readily available. That is the type of set you inform your children about, a once-in-a-lifetime efficiency properly worthy of being No. 1 on our checklist.
