My first 3 day Lollapalooza experience is over. I’m sore, tired and a tad sunburned, but I had a great time. The weather was mild, and I enjoyed a lot of great music. Here are the 5 favorite bands I saw at Lollapalooza this year:
- Nine Inch Nails. I have a very specific memory of the college party where I heard “Head Like a Hole” for the first time. It was more than 20 years later when I finally saw Nine Inch Nails live. Luckily Trent Reznor does not disappoint.
- Matt & Kim. I didn’t know what to expect when I first saw Matt & Kim at a free event in Ravenswood a few years ago, but now I know that Matt & Kim (particularly Kim) are full of energy and always a lot of fun to watch. Apparently other people know that too because Matt & Kim amassed a crowd that greatly overflowed the audience area for the Petrillo stage where they performed.
- Charles Bradley. Who doesn’t love some old school soul music? Charles Bradley embodies cool.
- Shovels & Rope. I normally don’t listen to twangy folk music, but this charming couple had everyone dancing. Also a couple got engaged during the show. I might have cried a bit because I’m a sap. I was wearing sunglasses though, which allowed to maintain a facade of cool.
- Father John Misty. It’s a rule that at sometime during an outdoor music festival you have to listen to a folk singer guy, right? Although not as energetic as my other picks, Father John Misty was perfect to listen too while sitting on the grass, drinking wine and enjoying the beautiful Chicago weather.
Unfortunate Schedule Conflict: Frightened Rabbit. I really enjoyed the 3 songs I got to see from Frightened Rabbit, but we had to leave early to stake out a space for Nine Inch Nails.
Honorable Mention: The Cure. It’s not hard for The Cure to please an old chick like me. They played the songs of my youth and sounded comfortingly the same as they always have. I did, however, realize that I was not truly with my people when “Friday I’m in Love” received a much bigger crowd reaction than “Just Like Heaven.” Damn kids. Get off my lawn.
Click below to see a photo gallery of more Lollapalooza highlights including a sighting of culinary rock star Graham Elliot.
Subscribe to Listing Toward Forty. Type your email address in the box and click the “create subscription” button. My list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time.
Kim Z. Dale 