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 gifted artists from “fringe” genres – various, rap, punk, industrial, digital, just about something besides pop or nation – may assemble and carry out. Everybody could be welcomed – in reality, the extra of a “weirdo” or “freak” you have been, the extra you’ll be embraced.
“I thought of all of the superb, fantastic those that I’d carry collectively,” Farrell mirrored many years later. “Not simply the artists, however the folks themselves. The patrons, the those that listened to it. The punk rockers or the post-punk rockers and the rappers, all these wild folks.”
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 pageant 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 an extended record 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 all the time can be – within the rock world. And over greater than 30 years, the pageant has welcomed lots of the biggest rock acts on the planet to its stage. We combed by means of the archives (and our personal private reminiscence banks) to assemble our record 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 surprise 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 reside album and DVD, Dwell 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 metallic 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 primary stage. Was it good? Properly, no. Regardless of displaying loads of vitality, 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 tremendous kind because the band blitzed by means of such classics as “Iron Man,” “Struggle Pigs,” “Candy Leaf” and “Paranoid.” Alongside the best way, Black Sabbath taught a brand new technology of followers what made them heavy metallic giants.
18. Pavement (1995)
Lollapalooza 1995 skewed in an indie path, with Sonic Youth, the Jesus Lizard and Pavement main the best way. The latter group had scored their greatest hit with “Minimize Your Hair” a yr prior and have been having fun with a interval of crucial acclaim. Nonetheless, audiences have been used to extra mainstream acts – similar to Purple Scorching Chili Peppers and Smashing Pumpkins – and the Lollapalooza crowds have been typically polarized by Pavement’s lo-fi type. One present particularly went down in infamy, as the gang in Charles City, W.V. pelted Pavement with mud till the band promptly minimize their set quick and exited with their center fingers within the air. It’s a disgrace a number 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. Device (1997)
Gloomy theatrics? Examine. A penchant for the surprising? Examine. Dynamic materials and a quickly rising fan base? Examine and test as soon as extra. Device actually had all the fitting substances once they set out on Lollapalooza’s 1997 version. The 33-date trek did not ship as a lot hype as its predecessors – different acts similar to Snoop Dogg, Orbital and the Prodigy have been met with blended reactions at varied stops. However Device was the standout act, commonly stealing the highlight from artists greater 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 pageant as soon as extra.
16. The Treatment (2013)
Seeing the Treatment at an enormous summer season pageant just isn’t ideally suited – 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” have been among the many many memorable tunes carried out that night time, but the band by no means gave the impression to be going by means of the motions with their basic materials, delivering the songs with vitality and freshness.
15. Devo (1996)
Eccentric new wave just isn’t usually the kind of music you’d count on to captivate a pageant crowd, however Devo is not 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 reside performances. Issues went so properly that they got here again the next yr 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 an alternative goal to overwhelm followers with their distinctive model of rock. That’s precisely what Josh Homme and firm did in 2013 once 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 on the lookout 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 ultimate album, 1995’s ¡Adios Amigos!, the Ramones accepted a suggestion 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 massively 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 ultimate present after the pageant 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 constantly unleash. However what NIN lacked in expertise they greater than made up for in ferocity, as Reznor hit each Lollapalooza stage with a starvation not like some other act. There have been bumps alongside the best way, 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 Fireplace (2005)
Lollapalooza went by means of some modifications 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 pageant 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 formidable 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 Fireplace. The latter band actually made probably 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 Fireplace 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)
An enormous 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 present a masterclass on find out how to dazzle a pageant 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 basic 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 have 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 number of the urgency and frenetic vitality of the early years’ touring mannequin. Thank god for bands like Iggy & the Stooges, who can present up and switch your complete pageant 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 1000’s of followers going wild. Issues hit a frantic top 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 have been a part of the 1992 Lollapalooza lineup, alongside acts similar to Purple 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 have been exhilarating occasions, energy by considered one of rock’s most dynamic voices. Chris Cornell’s band would have earned a spot on our record on their very own, however that 1992 lineup gave them an opportunity to routinely workforce with associates 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 pageant had someway sullied its status by reserving metallic 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 basic 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” in the course of the ultimate two stops of the tour.
6. Foo Fighters (2011)
Dave Grohl was on the very first Lollapalooza, regardless that he didn’t play. The drummer was in Los Angeles together with his new band on the time, Nirvana, as they labored on the album Nevermind. Intrigued by the inaugural pageant’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 folks right here. To see bands which can be truly fucking cool! What the fuck? How did that occur?’” Grohl recalled many years later when his band, Foo Fighters, headlined the 2011 Lollapalooza in Chicago. That night time, the Foos showcased every thing that has made them their technology’s premier rock act, with thunderous tunes and unbridled vitality. Even a torrential downpour couldn’t extinguish the band’s fireplace, as Foo Fighters simply stored on taking part in. As a substitute of ruining the second, the rain grew to become one other aspect of the efficiency, as 1000’s of soaked and muddied followers sang and cheered with each be aware.
5. Pearl Jam (1992)
When Pearl Jam was initially booked for Lollapalooza’s second yr, 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 have been gradual and the band’s first two singles – “Alive” and “Even Circulation” – had solely earned reasonable radio airplay (a incontrovertible fact that appears stunning 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 immediately one of many hottest bands on the earth. The group had an early time slot on Lollapalooza’s 1992 touring pageant, however followers didn’t appear to thoughts, commonly turning out by the 1000’s 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 commonly 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 basic materials from the Beatles, Wings and his solo catalog. Then 73 years outdated, the legendary musician confirmed no indicators of his age, propelling the 1000’s in attendance to affix him in one of many greatest sing-alongs within the pageant’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 aspect stage. By the next yr, the politically-charged rockers have been a primary stage act, and their fiery performances delivered a number of the pageant’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 Middle – the censorship group answerable 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 pageant 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. After all, Lollapalooza became far more than that (and Jane’s Dependancy didn’t keep away for lengthy). Nonetheless, the inaugural yr set the excessive customary by which all different Lolla’s could be judged, and Jane’s Dependancy have been the unquestioned kings of the touring occasion. Ferrell’s dynamic onstage presence was not like 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 yr one stays crucial.
1. Radiohead (2008)
Lower than a yr 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 have been, it’s not like several followers complained. However the band additionally delved into their spectacular again catalog, providing a wide range of tunes from all through their profession. Throughout 24 songs, Radiohead showcased why they’re thought of among the many biggest 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 “Every little thing in Its Proper Place” and “Faux Plastic Timber,” a spine-tingling second for the 1000’s of followers readily available. That is the type of set you inform your youngsters about, a once-in-a-lifetime efficiency properly worthy of being No. 1 on our record.
