While the group has been a repeat headliner in recent years (much like our next headliner), there’s no doubt in my mind that their repeat headliner slots are not only well-deserved but also absolutely necessary for the longevity of the festival. Few groups in the electronic space can effectively draw as wide a crowd as they can, and if the goal of a headliner is to put on the biggest spectacle of the night, then Odesza will certainly fit the bill for many years to come.

Day 4

The general feeling of relief was quite evident amongst both crew and fans alike as Lollapalooza drew to a close on Sunday. Having been spared by a round of fierce storms that made their way abruptly south, the day went on without a hitch (not including the massive amounts of mud).

Walking to the site in the later afternoon, I was able to catch a highly anticipated 9-song set by The Backseat Lovers at the Coinbase stage. The crowd was almost feverish in anticipation, not unusual given the sets close proximity to the headlining acts, but nonetheless still a massive amount of energy for a relatively small band that had just found its foothold in households by way of social media in the last couple of years.

Drawing the fans in close with deep cuts like Know Your Name, the Utah natives gave a masterclass of teasing out the crowd, waiting until the halfway point of their set to launch into their hit single Kilby Girl.

It was no doubt a perfect time for the group to gain more appreciative followers, as the band played to what would likely be its largest crowd for a long while, pulling in both Day 1’s as well as those battling to the front of the T-Mobile stage to get a good spot for the evening’s headliner. A wonderful opportunity for a hard-working band and a good time had by all.

Few bands have had as much of an impact on Lollapalooza as the Red Hot Chili Peppers have had.

First playing the festival in 1992, the California natives have become as synonymous with Lollapalooza as Perry himself, consistently drawing massive crowds of all ages and musical tastes – and they certainly were worth the hype that evening.

Bassist Flea whipped the crowds into a frenzy before driving the group into what could be considered as the best 3-song start of any band that I’ve ever seen, playing Can’t Stop followed by Scar Tissue and Dani California in quick succession, much to everyone’s delight.

Frontman Anthony Kiedis was in good spirits that evening, dancing from end to end of the stage while leading the band through covers of Orange Claw Hammer and Dreamboy/Dreamgirl, as well as an homage to The Clash with Right on Time midway through.

Few bands in history have had the staying power that RHCP has had and even after 15 songs and a 2-song encore, both crowd and band alike would have been game for plenty more had it been in the stars. While it would have been wonderful to witness Lana Del Rey at the other end of the site, there’s little doubt that The Peppers gave us what we were all hoping for this year – just a brief second to turn back the clock and revel in the good old days that Lollapalooza has been providing for us for the past 32 years.

It’s been a pleasure. We hope to see everyone again next year.