Lollapalooza 2024: A Festival of Unforgettable Moments and Unmatched Energy
By Zoe Blakeman – Photo by Charles Reagan for Lollapalooza 2024
Lollapalooza, Chicago’s biggest music festival, was a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community, drawing fans from all over to experience a weekend packed with electrifying performances and unforgettable moments. From the first note to the final encore, the festival lived up to its reputation as one of the premier music events of the year. In this article, we’ll dive into the highlights, including standout performances, behind-the-scenes insights, and the incredible atmosphere that made this year’s Lollapalooza truly special.
THURSDAY
The first show of the weekend was the fastest growing artist of the year, Chappell Roan. Roan’s concert was an electrifying experience. She kicked off the show with “Femininominon,” donning a wrestling outfit that set the tone for the night, full of 80s-inspired colors, backdrops, and lights. The energy was palpable as the crowd, which had been camping out all day to see her, packed the T-Mobile more than any day artist has. The audience sang and screamed along to every word, especially during standout tracks like “Naked in Manhattan,” where Roan removed her wrestling mask to reveal her bright drag-inspired makeup.
She kept the momentum high with songs like “Red Wine Supernova” and “Good Luck Babe!” and showed off her incredible stage presence by doing the splits! A memorable moment was her dedication of “My Kink Is Karma” to her ex’s fiancée, as the crowd screamed along, feeling the intensity of the lyrics. With only an hour to perform, Chappell Roan made every second count, filling the stage with fierce energy, personal touches, and an unforgettable connection with her audience.
To keep the party going, Kesha started the minute Chappell Roan ended. Kesha kept the energy soaring after Chappell Roan with a setlist packed with hits that everyone knew by heart. She kicked things off with bangers like “Blow,” “We R Who We R,” and “Cannibal,” instantly igniting the familiar party atmosphere she’s famous for. Dressed in a custom merch shirt that cleverly read “LOL” on the front and “LAPALOOZA” on the back, Kesha effortlessly blended her unique style with the festival spirit. The crowd was electrified, dancing and jumping along to her infectious beats.
Kesha’s music has a way of bringing people together, transcending backgrounds and experiences. When she launched into “TikTok,” it was impossible not to sing along, the entire audience belting out the lyrics with pride. Her performance was a reminder of why her songs have become anthems of fun and unity, creating a shared experience that left everyone buzzing with energy.
Labrinth opened with “Formula” from the Euphoria soundtrack, immediately setting a moody, atmospheric tone. The music wasn’t exactly EDM, but it carried a vibey, immersive energy with heavy bass lines and strobe lights that pulsed through the cool backdrops. As tracks from Euphoria played, the crowd was instantly transported, each song evoking vivid memories of iconic scenes from the show.
The stage was illuminated by lightning-inspired visuals, adding to the intensity. Dark rain clouds gathered overhead, and a drizzle began to fall, perfectly complementing the music’s emotive depth. It was a unique experience, blending live performance with the collective nostalgia of a series that resonated deeply. Through it all, the artist seemed to be reconnecting with his roots, grounding the performance in something deeply personal and powerful.
Megan Thee Stallion ended the first night with a bang, as her performance was nothing short of explosive. When she hit the stage, she commanded the crowd with fierce energy and unmatched confidence. Performing hit after hit, including “Savage,” “Body,” and “Thot Shit,” she had the audience in the palm of her hand, with everyone rapping along to every word. The stage lit up with bold visuals and dynamic choreography perfectly matched her high-octane presence.
Megan’s set celebrated empowerment and fun, encouraging the crowd to let loose and embrace their inner “Hot Girl.” With her signature mix of charisma, humor, and raw talent, Megan Thee Stallion turned the festival into a massive party, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who witnessed her electrifying performance.
FRIDAY
Malcolm Todd’s performance was a delightful mix of nostalgia, energy, and emotional depth. Kicking off with the iconic iCarly theme song, he immediately drew the crowd into a shared wave of excitement. With a bright red electric guitar, Todd showcased his impressive vocal range and intense emotion, creating a chill yet powerful atmosphere. Backed by three guitarists (including himself), a drummer, and a pianist, the set was rich with dynamic guitar solos, deep emotions, and surprising moments of humor, like the screen behind him that playfully announced, “Malcolm Todd tried beer at Lollapalooza and didn’t like the taste.”
Throughout the show, Todd’s vocals and stage presence captivated the audience, effortlessly blending upbeat, danceable tunes with heavy emotions. He kept the energy high with covers of unexpected classics like “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls,” even jumping into the crowd to hype everyone up. The set closed with a touch of synth, wrapping up a performance as entertaining as it was emotionally resonant. And despite a momentary loss of a shoe, Todd never missed a beat, making the show a memorable experience for everyone there.
Next, was Renee Rapp. Her performance was a vibrant celebration of girl power and good vibes. The stage was lit with super cool retro screens, colors, and backdrops that set the perfect tone for her girl-pop anthems. From the moment she stepped on stage, she was engaging and talkative, instantly connecting with the crowd. People were dancing, jumping, and having a blast, swept up in the empowering energy of her music.
Rapp’s interaction with the audience was a highlight, making everyone feel included in the fun. The excitement peaked when she brought out Chance the Rapper, a Chicago native, for a surprise collaboration, sending the crowd surging toward the stage. As she sang during the golden hour, her hair blowing in the wind added an ethereal vibe to the performance, creating a magical moment. The crowd erupted with excitement when she played “Tummy Hurts,” a fan favorite that had everyone screaming along.
Right after Renee was Kevin Abstract, Brockhampton’s lead singer/rapper. His performance mastered the art of blending raw emotion with electrifying energy. He opened with a slow, introspective track under the glow of red lights, setting a contemplative mood before suddenly running into the crowd. This unexpected move sent a wave of excitement through the audience, with everyone rushing toward the stage to get closer to the influential rapper.
As a founding member of Brockhampton who’s made a powerful solo career rapping about his experiences as a gay man of color, Kevin Abstract has become a voice for authenticity and self-expression. The crowd went wild when he performed “Empty,” a fan favorite, but he kept things fresh by switching up the song’s ending, adding a layer of unpredictability to the performance. His set was a perfect blend of intimate moments and high-energy interactions, showcasing his unique ability to connect deeply with his fans while keeping them on their toes.
Ending night two with Zedd was a sensory overload of epic proportions. The moment he took the stage, the bass reverberated through the crowd, syncing with a stunning array of rainbow lights that transformed the park into a vibrant, psychedelic rave. Alone on stage with his DJ setup, Zedd commanded the night, seamlessly blending each track into the next, making the entire set feel like one continuous, euphoric dance party. The crowd was fully engaged, throwing balloons, water, and bracelets as they danced to his masterful mixes. Fireworks erupted amidst the light show, adding to the spectacle.
Highlights of the set included a crowd-pleasing remix of “Summertime Sadness” and a fiery performance of the fan favorite “Stay the Night,” complete with actual flames shooting up from the stage. With mind-bending graphics and nonstop energy, Zedd ripped through the night, leaving the crowd in ecstatic bliss.
SATURDAY
Destroy Boys’ set was a high-octane punk explosion setting the high-energy vibe for the day. The lead singer made a striking entrance in backless chaps and a glittering silver top, immediately igniting the stage with an intense, punk energy. The crowd responded enthusiastically, moshing and fueling the electric atmosphere that made the daytime show feel as intense as a night gig.
The dark red backdrop set a dramatic tone, while the band’s energetic performance kept everyone screaming and jumping throughout their set. Their engaging presence, with two dynamic singers interacting closely with the crowd, amplified the excitement.
My personal favorite is “Vixen,” which was dedicated to “the girls, gays, and theys.” The crowd bounced and sang along to every word. The set was a perfect blend of punk attitude and crowd connection, making it a standout performance.
To bring us back to a more thought provoking rock set, Briston Maroney’s show was a captivating blend of rock intensity and theatrical flair. He kicked off his set with a new unreleased heavier rock song, making a dramatic entrance in a flowing white dress that fluttered in the afternoon breeze. The stage was packed with a crowd that extended to the T-Mobile stage, drawn in by his powerful presence.
Maroney wielded a shiny red electric guitar, paired with a sharp metallic drum set, delivering impressive guitar riff solos that showcased his rock edge. Despite the sweltering heat soaking through his dress, he remained undeterred, continuing to play with relentless energy.
At the end of the show, his most popular song, “Freakin’ Out On the Interstate,” left the crowd literally freakin’ out. His performance was a dynamic mix of rock bravado and crowd interaction, making it yet another memorable highlight of the festival.
The highlight of my day was Tommy Newport’s show. It was filled with captivating moments and a personal touch. He kicked off his set dressed in his new Mister Domino suit and matching racer hat. Newport commanded the stage with his distinctive style and captivating voice.
One of the highlights was a new song from his upcoming album, set to release on August 7th. This track featured a playful, almost circus-like keyboard reminiscent of The Doors, adding a unique twist to his set. Newport’s vocal performance was impressive, with him hitting high notes effortlessly while adding a tambourine to the mix.
During “Violet Days,” the stage was bathed in light blue and purple hues, creating a mesmerizing effect. The song’s deep bass, heavy drumming, and heartfelt vocals resonated throughout the park, with a standout guitar solo toward the end.
A special moment came when Newport noticed me in the pit, where I was taking pictures, thanks to a pass from the Lollapalooza staff. He gave me a shoutout to the crowd, mentioning our interview the day prior, adding a personal touch to an already incredible performance. His voice echoed beautifully across the park, making it a memorable experience for everyone in attendance.
To end the night on an intense rock jam, The Killers’ set was a high-energy triumph, electrifying the crowd with their signature rock anthems and charismatic stage presence. From the moment they took the stage, the band delivered a dynamic mix of hits and fan favorites, with songs like “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me” bringing the crowd to a fever pitch. The production was a visual spectacle, featuring a stunning array of lights and vibrant backdrops that matched the band’s infectious energy.
Lead singer Brandon Flowers was a commanding presence, engaging with the audience and leading them through a rousing sing-along that reverberated throughout the festival grounds. The set was punctuated with powerful guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and a palpable sense of excitement. As the sun set, the band’s performance only intensified, turning the stage into a pulsating hub of rock excitement. The Killers’ set was a reminder of why they’re one of the most electrifying live acts, leaving the crowd exhilarated and wanting more.
SUNDAY
Chicago’s Slow Pulp made their Lollapalooza debut with a showcase of laid-back indie rock, perfectly suited for the start to the end of this year’s festival. The band eased into their set with a relaxed vibe, warming up and chatting with the audience during sound checks, setting a welcoming tone. The lead singer’s soothing yet amplified voice carried through the park, creating a melodic and inviting atmosphere.
The set featured some chill guitar solos that added depth to their sound, while their second song brought a more upbeat, happy vibe that got the crowd swaying. The cool 3D backdrop displaying the band’s name added a visually striking element to the performance. By the fifth song, “High,” the contrast between heavy guitar riffs and soft vocals showcased their signature indie rock style.
Their easygoing aura made it simple for the audience to relax and enjoy their music. The lead singer’s impressive vocal range and presence were highlights, adding a powerful touch to their mellow sound. As a special moment, she gave a shoutout to her mom and sister, who happened to be standing right next to me in the crowd, making their first Lollapalooza show a family affair to remember.
Vince Staples’ performance was a standout display of raw, authentic energy. From the moment he stepped on stage, Staples commanded the crowd with his sharp lyrics and laid-back yet intense presence. The setlist was a perfect mix of fan favorites and newer tracks, each one hitting with the kind of gritty realism that defines his music, setting him apart from typical Lollapalooza performers. The crowd was fully engaged, vibing with every beat and bar, as Staples showcased his unique blend of West Coast cool and unfiltered storytelling. The performance was powerful and understated, leaving a lasting impression on everyone.
Cults’ show was a mesmerizing blend of dreamy pop and captivating stage presence. Having had the chance to interview them before their set, I was excited to see how they would bring their unique sound to life—and they didn’t disappoint. The duo crafted an atmospheric experience, with shimmering synths and haunting vocals that drew the crowd into their sonic world. Their setlist was a perfect mix of fan favorites and songs from their newest album “To the Ghosts,” with each song flowing seamlessly into the next.
The band’s chemistry on stage was palpable, with Madeline Follin’s ethereal vocals perfectly complemented by Brian Oblivion’s intricate instrumentation. The crowd was fully entranced, swaying to the beat and soaking in the ambient lights that added an extra layer of magic to the performance. Cults delivered a set that felt both intimate and expansive, leaving everyone in the audience captivated and wanting more.
The last show of the festival was Blink-182’s nostalgic whirlwind of punk rock energy and relentless anthems. From the moment they hit the stage, the band delivered the electrifying performance they’re known for, ripping through a setlist packed with classics like “All the Small Things” and “What’s My Age Again?” The crowd erupted, singing along to every word as the trio brought their signature blend of humor and infectious energy.
Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge’s banter between songs kept the mood light and fun, while Travis Barker’s drumming was as explosive as ever, driving the set with relentless precision. The band also mixed in some newer material, showing they still have plenty of fuel left in the tank. As the sun set over the festival, Blink-182 reminded everyone why they remain one of the most beloved acts in punk rock, delivering a performance that was spirited and heartfelt.
Lollapalooza 2024 was an unforgettable experience, brimming with thrilling performances, and countless photo opportunities. From the delectable food offerings to the friendly and accommodating staff, the festival once again exceeded all expectations. Each artist, their teams, and everyone involved in the festival deserve a heartfelt thank you for their dedication and hard work. It was an absolute blast, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what Lollapalooza has in store next year. Thank you, Lollapalooza for another incredible year!
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