H-O-T-T-O-G-O: Lollapalooza Left Fans Scorched By Amazing Performances
By Dahlia Kelly – Chappell Roan by Ashley Osborn for Lollapalooza 2024
Even knowing the predicted weather, it can never fully prepare you for the relentless heat bearing down on you, amplified by the body heat of everyone around you in the crowd. But this is something we’ve all come to expect at Lollapalooza.
When arriving downtown, you could immediately tell who was Thursday’s artist to see before entering the festival grounds. Countless people dressed in Chappell Roan-inspired outfits, such as “Good Luck Babe” jerseys, pink cowgirl hats, and more. You’d think T-Mobile was making another commercial to demonstrate their national coverage map with all the pink everywhere.
Before Lollapalooza officially opened, the sounds of Chicago musician JJ Smith performing acoustically in front of the Congress Hotel filled the air. While not a Lollapalooza artist, his sounds set the tone of the day, and it was great!
Lollapalooza’s event staff and security were all very professional and courteous while entering Grant Park, making it quick and seamless.
A year’s worth of built-up excitement was let loose with the sound of John Williams’ Star Wars theme as the announcement of the opening of the gates was made. People ran to the T-Mobile and Bud Light stages to camp out for their favorite headliners, while others took their time exploring to make their way to the other six stages.
Needless to say, I was also there to see Chappell Roan and saw her from the front row, albeit off to the side. Before her set, South African artist Tyla laid down her soulful pop songs for Chicago with her dancers accompanying her. I hadn’t heard her music before, but I’m a big fan now!
I wanted to see D4VD, but the schedule wouldn’t allow for it, unfortunately. Another such problem arose for headliners Hozier and Megan Thee Stallion, but after the heat of Chappell Roan, I elected to watch the rest from home on Hulu.
I wanted to see D4VD, but the schedule wouldn’t allow for it, unfortunately. Another such problem arose for headliners Hozier and Megan Thee Stallion, but after the heat of Chappell Roan, I elected to watch the rest from home on Hulu.
Some days were quite busy, catching parts of sets while heading back to the press area for interviews and portraits like Cults, Nico Vega, Willis, and Will Lenley, and met many other artists, like New York sibling band Infinity Song, Cannons, D4VD, and The Last Dinner Party.
Having attended Lollapalooza many years already, I fully support their initiatives to make the world a better place. So, I decided to take some time to volunteer for Reverb’s Rock & Recycle program and pick up cans around the area. I didn’t think it would take long, but it was harder than I thought; (which in this case is a good thing). Finally setting myself up near Chow Town, I filled my bag. In all, it took me about 20 minutes and it felt great to do my part for a festival and city that I love.
My Lollapalooza weekend was filled with great live sets, artists, photo opportunities, and some things that I missed, I was able to see on Hulu later. An exhausting weekend, for sure, but worth it every time!
Every Lollapalooza keeps getting better for me and for some of the artists I wasn’t familiar with beforehand, like Tyla, I’ve become a fan of them and expanded my musical world in the process.
Now Lollapalooza ’25 can’t come soon enough for me!
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