Spring Break
Summer Music Festivals: Lollapalooza
Issue date: 8/1/08 Section: Variety
Chicago Aug. 1-3
In 1991, Jane's Addiction singer Perry Farrell organized the first-ever Lollapalooza as a traveling festival that tours the U.S. each summer. Only a year after its 2003 revival, poor ticket sales forced the renowned festival to be cancelled.
Since then, Farrell along with Capital Sports & Entertainment have rewired Lollapalooza as an annual three-day music festival, held in Grant Park in Chicago.
This is the first Lollapalooza festival I've had the opportunity to attend, so I don't quite know what to expect.
Lollapalooza 2008 boasts arguably the festival's strongest lineup in years, featuring a formidable list of must-see artists, both known and lesser-known, on eight different stages.
Some of the highlight acts include:
YEASAYER
Aug. 1, 2:15p.m., AT&T stage
A tribal-tinged indie rock group that features liquid, busy basslines and exotic instrumentation, Yeasayer released its debut album "All Hour Cymbals" in 2007 and is still relatively under the radar. But the eccentric display of talent on this debut album promises a unique and rewarding live experience.
RADIOHEAD
Aug. 1, 8 p.m., AT&T stage
Often cited by critics and fans alike as one of the most important and influential rock bands of the past 20 years, Radiohead recently created waves with its self-released, pick-your-own-price offering of its newest album, 2007's "In Rainbows." Prior to this, the English quintet covered an insane amount of ground in its ambitious music, from alternative rock to electronica to jazz and even classical, continually defying expectations and surprising the world with releases like 1997's "OK Computer" and 2000's "Kid A." What's most remarkable about Radiohead is its ability to not only turn out beautifully crafted and thought-out music, but to maintain a level of consistency most bands can only dream of. Since the band doesn't exactly tour the States often, this show could rival its 2006 performance at Bonnaroo as its largest and best American show ever.
EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY
Aug. 2, 4:30 p.m., Bud Light stage
This Texas-based experimental rock band relies on instrumental-based soundscapes rather than typical pop structures to deliver its musical power, and recent releases "The Earth Is Not a Cold, Dead Place" and "All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone" gathered positive critical acclaim.
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE
Aug. 2, 8:30 p.m., AT&T stage
Newly reunited after the collapse of former supergroup Audioslave, this is an opportunity for most fans of RATM's politically charged rap-metal from the '90s to see the legendary band in all its restored glory. For those turned off by the "rap" element of the group's sound, one listen to singer Zack de la Rocha's unapologetic, confrontational lyrics should satisfy the naysayers. Also, Tom Morello's endlessly innovative guitar playing is a must-see.
GIRL TALK
Aug. 3, 6:30 p.m., Citi stage
The stage name of DJ Gregg Gillis, Girl Talk specializes in mashing up popular songs set to creative beats in one continuous, flowing mix. The constant gear-shifting pace of its musical montages are sure to keep any crowd on its feet. For Girl Talk's magic in-action check out its newest release, "Feed the Animals."
NINE INCH NAILS
Aug. 3, 8:15 p.m., Bud Light stage
Nine Inch Nails is more accurately the one-man project of industrial rock genius Trent Reznor. Ever since Reznor kicked his drug habits in 2004, he has released a continuous stream of new material: 2005's "With Teeth" was his first album in six years, and 2007 saw the release of dystopian concept album "Year Zero." This year alone, he has released two new albums, "Ghosts I-IV" and "The Slip." Due to this flurry of new music, Nine Inch Nails' current tour will promote all three of Reznor's most recent albums, so fans can expect to hear a wealth of surprises.
- John Barrett
In 1991, Jane's Addiction singer Perry Farrell organized the first-ever Lollapalooza as a traveling festival that tours the U.S. each summer. Only a year after its 2003 revival, poor ticket sales forced the renowned festival to be cancelled.
Since then, Farrell along with Capital Sports & Entertainment have rewired Lollapalooza as an annual three-day music festival, held in Grant Park in Chicago.
This is the first Lollapalooza festival I've had the opportunity to attend, so I don't quite know what to expect.
Lollapalooza 2008 boasts arguably the festival's strongest lineup in years, featuring a formidable list of must-see artists, both known and lesser-known, on eight different stages.
Some of the highlight acts include:
YEASAYER
Aug. 1, 2:15p.m., AT&T stage
A tribal-tinged indie rock group that features liquid, busy basslines and exotic instrumentation, Yeasayer released its debut album "All Hour Cymbals" in 2007 and is still relatively under the radar. But the eccentric display of talent on this debut album promises a unique and rewarding live experience.
RADIOHEAD
Aug. 1, 8 p.m., AT&T stage
Often cited by critics and fans alike as one of the most important and influential rock bands of the past 20 years, Radiohead recently created waves with its self-released, pick-your-own-price offering of its newest album, 2007's "In Rainbows." Prior to this, the English quintet covered an insane amount of ground in its ambitious music, from alternative rock to electronica to jazz and even classical, continually defying expectations and surprising the world with releases like 1997's "OK Computer" and 2000's "Kid A." What's most remarkable about Radiohead is its ability to not only turn out beautifully crafted and thought-out music, but to maintain a level of consistency most bands can only dream of. Since the band doesn't exactly tour the States often, this show could rival its 2006 performance at Bonnaroo as its largest and best American show ever.
EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY
Aug. 2, 4:30 p.m., Bud Light stage
This Texas-based experimental rock band relies on instrumental-based soundscapes rather than typical pop structures to deliver its musical power, and recent releases "The Earth Is Not a Cold, Dead Place" and "All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone" gathered positive critical acclaim.
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE
Aug. 2, 8:30 p.m., AT&T stage
Newly reunited after the collapse of former supergroup Audioslave, this is an opportunity for most fans of RATM's politically charged rap-metal from the '90s to see the legendary band in all its restored glory. For those turned off by the "rap" element of the group's sound, one listen to singer Zack de la Rocha's unapologetic, confrontational lyrics should satisfy the naysayers. Also, Tom Morello's endlessly innovative guitar playing is a must-see.
GIRL TALK
Aug. 3, 6:30 p.m., Citi stage
The stage name of DJ Gregg Gillis, Girl Talk specializes in mashing up popular songs set to creative beats in one continuous, flowing mix. The constant gear-shifting pace of its musical montages are sure to keep any crowd on its feet. For Girl Talk's magic in-action check out its newest release, "Feed the Animals."
NINE INCH NAILS
Aug. 3, 8:15 p.m., Bud Light stage
Nine Inch Nails is more accurately the one-man project of industrial rock genius Trent Reznor. Ever since Reznor kicked his drug habits in 2004, he has released a continuous stream of new material: 2005's "With Teeth" was his first album in six years, and 2007 saw the release of dystopian concept album "Year Zero." This year alone, he has released two new albums, "Ghosts I-IV" and "The Slip." Due to this flurry of new music, Nine Inch Nails' current tour will promote all three of Reznor's most recent albums, so fans can expect to hear a wealth of surprises.
- John Barrett
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