To say that the excitement is palpable may just be an understatement.
Few things are quite like a Chicago summer.
In the wake of yet another successful return of NASCAR, Sueños and other events, Grant Park once again will soon be filled to the brim with a lineup that has lit social media ablaze. While the headliners of last year (most notably Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish and TXT) are hard to compete with, few festivals in recent years have had such a highly promising middle card – no doubt a wonderful opportunity to see quite a few artists well on their way to superstardom.
Thursday
The hint of bad weather has made little impact on those who will be attending the first and perhaps the most highly anticipated day of the festival. Lollapalooza veteran Megan Thee Stallion will be returning again as a headliner, having had an incredibly successful year with the release of her latest record Megan, and just yesterday having performed in support for Presidential hopeful Kamala Harris. Few bookings could have recovered the loss of Tyler, the Creator and yet few artists have had quite the recent buzz that she’s had – and for very good reason. Hozier will take the opposite stage as headliner, on another leg of his incredibly successful stadium tour and a year that has further engrained him as a household name. Of course, perhaps the biggest name of the day (and potentially the weekend), sits comfortably nestled in the middle of the lineup – an artist that has had perhaps the fastest and most well-deserved rise to critical acclaim in recent history) could be none other than Chappell Roan. For those that have had the misfortune of not having discovered her universe, her baptism of love and self-acceptance on a festival stage will no doubt be a euphoric experience. Much can be said in the discourse around social media and music but what cannot be argued is how well deserved it is that she is finally on her trajectory upwards with the help of platforms like TikTok and within them, her adoring community. Of course, artists like Jungle will also be quite a treat – we’re also excited to see the return of The Japanese House as well.
Friday
While many are no doubt most excited to see either Sza or Stray Kids headlining Friday evening, perhaps the most interesting artists of note sit just to the right of them on the lineup. It will be an ethereal experience to see Laufey, accompanied by none other than the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra performing on Friday afternoon, as well as Reneé Rapp – both having risen to critical acclaim and incredible popularity in recent months. Friday promises a little something for everyone, those looking to relax can revel in a set by Victoria Monét, whereas those looking for action can find it readily in appearances by Kevin Abstract (formerly of Brockhampton), as well as Sexyy Red.
Saturday
Weekend attendees are fortunate to have a wonderful couple of days and Saturday seems to be the most conflict free of any day – there’s always a little something for everyone. In perhaps the most stark divide of the four days, the evening will conclude with performances by The Killers (a band that truly is as consistently good as any) opposite a highly anticipated collaboration of Future alongside Metro Boomin, two powerhouse hip hop allies who were instrumental in what will be known as the most legendary hip-hop feud in recorded history. While I hesitate to influence those to see specific acts, there are none that I have been anticipating quite as highly as Deftones, who have made a massively triumphant return this past year and promise to deliver a crushing performance on Saturday afternoon. Also notable are Tate McRae and Ethel Cain, both having garnered massive popularity in recent months, as well as Lollapalooza veterans such as Killer Mike (of Run the Jewels) as well as Hippo Campus and Cannons.
Sunday
The final day of Lollapalooza 2024 offers a sense of comfortable familiarity for those with the stamina to make it into the final hours. Headlining are both Blink-182 opposite Melanie Martinez, both having become familiar favorites in Grant Park. Among them (and perhaps the most personally anticipated) include Two Door Cinema Club and Vince Staples.
Few things in contemporary American culture speak to the attitudes and minds of the youth quite like a music festival does. Gone are the days where appearing in a festival requires a lucky break from a label – we’ve given those with the talent the ability to grow independently and in spite of all insurmountable odds, rise from a live streamed bedroom appearance to walking out to tens of thousands of adoring fans in the blink of an eye. The culture is changing – and while certainly there is so much that seems uncertain, simultaneously there is comfort in a constant – the eager, vibrant crowds, their eyes wide and voices hoarse, young and old, all united in the spirit of the joy of performance and the universal language of music.
In closing, perhaps Perry said it best when asked about the future of Lollapalooza – “Because I feel our best work is ahead of us…. I feel that Lolla is just getting started.”
We look forward to seeing you there.
