Inside look on the majestic “Lolla Land”

By: Lucas Rotter, Editor

Lollapalooza, an annual music festival that takes place at Grant Park in Chicago, brought music lovers to their feet this past weekend.

With seven stages, weird food and interesting vendors, this first time Lolla-goer was blown away.

The three day festival started on Friday, July 31 featuring some major artists including Paul McCartney and The Weeknd.

Many other talented performers included Glass Animals, alt-J, Dillion Francis, The War on Drugs, Young Thug and Cold War Kids.

The best performer out of Friday’s headliners was of course “Sir Paul McCartney.” The former Beatle member, who came on stage 4 minutes late, performed classic hits such as “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be”.

The “Four Five Seconds” vocalist played in front of the largest crowd at this years Lollapalooza. McCartney sadly did not bring out Kanye West or Rihanna, but brought out “Alabama Shakes” Brittany Howard to perform “Get Back,” which was phenomenal.

Fans ranged from youngins to elders all of which grew up listening to the Beatles. Overall, it was  a great atmosphere to be emerged in. Seeing a legendary Beatle perform live was life changing and a surreal experience. Not many people can say that.

The food at Lolla had many people escaping their comfort zone. Some of these out of the ordinary foods included–lobster corn dog (which was amazing by the way) and freshly squeezed watermelon juice with cucumber, mint and lime(not worth the six dollars). If one did not have the urge to try a new food, Lolla still offered; burgers, pizza, deep fried pickles and slushies, all of which found a way to tickle my taste buds.

As for the fashion at Lollapalooza, there was no telling what one would see. From flower crowns to bandanas, all Lolla-goers found a way to express their sense of style while attempting to stay cool.

Saturday was jammed packed with famous artists. Headliners included Metallica, Sam Smith and Alesso.

Aside from the headliners, Lolla’s Saturday Night Lineup also included Kid Cudi, G-Eazy, Walk the moon and Tame Impala. My favorite part of Saturday was definitely when rapper Travi$ Scott encouraged festival goers to jump the barricades and get on stage with him, but security shutdown that party very quickly. Only having performed one song, Scott was told he couldn’t continue unless everyone got down from the stage. After he urged the crowd to get down, the rapper left the stage and was later apprehended by Chicago Police! Scott and one festival goer were charged for ‘disorderly conduct.’

Sunday consisted of well known bands and other artists such as Florence and The Machine, Twenty One Pilots, A$AP Rocky, Logic and Bassnectar.

As the day rolled in so did the bad weather. The day started fine, it was bright outside until after Twin Peaks had finished their set. Before George Ezra performed, there was an announcement made over the stage speakers saying that everyone must evacuate. At first many thought it was a joke, so few people evacuated until the announcer made it clear the situation was serious. Slowly people did leave, the large venues, a suggested 100,000 antedates, swarmed the streets of Chicago.

After the hour long evacuation Lollapalooza re-opened the gates and the day went on with a few schedule changes.

The most energetic and wild crowd was at The Bud Light Stage for A$AP Rocky. He started with a tribute to the late A$AP YAMS. Rocky brought out Vic Mensa which wasn’t a surprise because Mensa showed up at 2 Lollapalooza sets this year. But the rap duo spit Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit’ and Mensa’s “U MAD”. Rocky had insisted on some insane mosh pits as well. Sunday ended with the headliners that everyone came for.

Florence and the Machine battled through the storm, but had to cut their set short due to it.

Bassnectar’s psychedelic set was also cut short to do the poor weather.

Lollapalooza is a must go to for anyone, epically if a Chicagoan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND7Qy7mSSnE