Lollapalooza is a music festival that has occupied Grant Park in the heart of Chicago for the past 25 years, aside for a few canceled years between 1996 and 2003 and a cancelled festival 2004. Perry Farrell, Lollapalooza’s creator and singer/frontman for alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction, created Lollapalooza as a farewell tour for Jane’s Addiction. It took off briefly in 1991 and dissolved in 1997 due to poor ticket sales, but was revived in 2003 and continues to grow in size and popularity every year.
To celebrate Lollapalooza’s 25 year anniversary, the festival has been expanded to four days for 2016, instead of the usual three days. The festival will take place July 28-31st, with the addition of Thursday coming as a pleasant surprise to Lollapalooza fans. Perry Farrell has always been inclusive of many different genres of music at Lollapalooza’s many festival locations around the world, but has always gone to great lengths to make the Chicago location the most special experience. This year’s lineup is nothing short of incredible. I have attended Lollapalooza the past four years, starting in 2012. I can confidently say that this lineup tops them all. If you are attending all four days, (or can survive them) here is my list of the top 10 artists who you should definitely try to fit into your schedules.
10. Griz
With a mix of funky saxophone and dubstep whompage, Griz is sure to show you a good time towards the end of the day. While he will not get a headline spot, I can imagine him playing Perry’s stage just before Major Lazer. Seeing Griz will also give you a good dose of bass on Friday, with just enough time to leave Perry's stage and find someone else to see besides Major Lazer.
9. Silversun Pickups
This band is exactly the kind of group Perry Farrell had in mind to play Lollapalooza when he first created the festival in 1991. With a mix of sounds and well-written lyrics that somehow remind me of Incubus, as well as a rhythm that’s impossible to resist rocking out to. Silversun Pickups are a must see. Destined for a stage time somewhere around 5 o’clock, these guys are a fun and different show for any music fan.
8. Big Grams (Big Boi and Phantogram)
Look, when artists come together, beautiful things can happen. Pretty Lights and Bassnectar coming together as BassLights is a spectacular sight which I hope to behold someday. Big Grams has potential to put on a great show while not interfering with the biggest acts of the day. With a mix of hip-hop from Big Boi and beautiful synth melody and lyrics from Phantogram, Big Grams provides a new experience for any concert-goer, and an opportunity to have the moment of discovery every music fan enjoys.
7. Bastille
Bastille made it with “Pompeii”. Now they’re really turning it on and taking their music to a whole new level. With a fan base that exploded seemingly overnight, Bastille is a new band who inspires listeners in a way I cannot explain. All I know is that it’s impossible for me to not chant along to the “AY AY OH AY OH!” at the beginning of “Pompeii”.
6. Future
Future has busted onto the Rap scene the way Bastille busted onto the Indie scene. A couple years ago, if you asked me who either of those artists were, I would have replied with yes, but that's just because I hate admitting I don’t know something. But now I know who Future is. Bringing massive hits to the table like “F**k up Some Commas” and “Where Ya At”, along with the massive hit “Jumpman” and his new mixtape “Purple Reign”, Future is bound to put on a great headline hip hop show. Who knows, maybe Drake might even come out on stage for a feature?
5. Cherub
“Doses and Mimosas”. If you like that song, you like Cherub. See them.
4. Excision
I’m a bass head, and I’m proud to admit it. I like a lot of EDM. However, when I saw Excision was on the Lineup this year, my heart skipped a beat. Probably out of fear. The last time I saw Excision was at a Spring Awakening after party at the House of Blues in Chicago. My chest was vibrating with such force my ribs felt like they might crack. Until this point I could only imagine what Excision would sound like if he threw down “Deviance” at Perry’s stage at Lollapalooza. Come July 28th I won’t have to imagine anymore. Come join me in head-banging to “Headbanger”.
3. Jane’s Addiction
When the creator of a festival headlines his own festival’s 25 year anniversary, you go see the show. Not only out of respect, but fully knowing it may be one of the most legendary rock shows Lollapalooza has ever put on. However, since Jane’s Addiction has played at Lollapalooza so many times in the past, I couldn’t award them a position higher than 3rd.
2. Red Hot Chili Peppers
I saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform at Lollapalooza in 2012 while I was standing knee deep in mud, and it was the best show I have ever experienced. The Red Hot Chili Peppers know what their fans want to hear, they play it, and they play it loud. With Anthony Kiedis as the lead singer, supported by Josh Klinghoffer on guitar, Chad Smith on drums and Flea on bass, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have already claimed their spot in rock and roll history. It’s a pretty big spot, too. They know how important and prestigious their time slot is at Lollapalooza this summer as Saturday's headlining act, so I can assure you they will not disappoint.
1. Radiohead
I love Radiohead. Thom Yorke is a lyrical genius, and the band members are musical masters. The reason I made them number one, however, is not only based on the quality of music. It is based on how often Radiohead plays live, which isn’t frequent. The last and only time Radiohead has ever played Lollapalooza was back in 2008, and since then they haven’t been very busy. Reportedly currently writing new material, it is almost certain we see it before their emergence onto the stage Friday, July 29th. Along with their new music, will be some of their classics, making for the ultimate show for any rock fan.
