Ten must-see Lollapalooza sets
It’s too big, very expensive and full of douchebags. But this year’s sold-out Lollapalooza also includes a great mix of shows over three days. Here’s the ATYP guide to recommended sets.
Girl Talk, Friday. This will be a big party thrown by the mashup master. The throngs will be either at one of the big stages to see Coldplay or Muse. But this show will be more fun.
Death from Above 1979, Saturday. This late afternoon show features the reunited duo. Expect a loud, hyperkinetic set.
The Cars, Sunday. The Cars married new wave with classic ’70s rock. The first two albums made in the late ’70s were far better than the band’s ’80s hits. Hopefully, the band has some gas left in the tank (rimshot).
Foo Fighters, Sunday. For all the lameness in recent years, Dave Grohl still puts on a good show. Two hours, though?
Arctic Monkeys, Sunday. Still a very good, exciting band.
Big Audio Dynamite, Saturday. Between the Cars and Big Audio Dynamite, let’s hope for something as entertaining as the Devo reunion last year. Ex-Clash guitarist Mick Jones fronts BAD. So that alone should make it worth seeing.
Titus Andronicus, Sunday. It’s way early in the day (12:45 p.m.) but, hey, these guys give it their all no matter what time they play.
Black Lips, Saturday. Great garage rock band.
Cults, Friday. Here’s a chance to see a catchy, fun, energetic buzz band. (Cults play Empty Bottle tonight.)
The Joy Formidable, Sunday. The set overlaps a little with Titus Andronicus. Big, epic songs. Sounds like ’90s alternative bands like the Breeders.
Lollapalooza SELLS OUT
I find it really interesting that Lollapalooza sold out so early.
Either scalpers are far more confident about the economy or fans are feeling better about their financials. Because at 90 bucks a day, Lolla ain’t cheap.
Lolla’s early-bird specials sold out right away. So did Pitchfork’s three-day pass. That’s understandable. The budget-minded are going to jump on those deals.
So how did Lolla sell out so quickly? Maybe this year’s four biggest acts — Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay and Muse — trumps last year’s Soundgarden (yawn), Green Day, Lady Gaga and (pre-Grammy) Arcade Fire. But it’s hard to say.
I wouldn’t be surprised if some tickets are released closer to the event to generate some buzz.
By the way, Pitchfork was cool this year.
Lollapalooza schedule announced
Lollapalooza rolled out its schedule today. We already knew who was playing. Now we know when they’re playing.
For 90 bucks a day, I’d like to see a robust lineup that I can get excited about from noon till close. Personally, I only see one day that lives up to my expectations for a full-day, engaging lineup: Friday.
As for the top-billing acts, Coldplay, Muse and Girl Talk all headline Friday night. Saturday night’s headliners: Eminem, My Morning Jacket and Beirut (on the small Grove stage). Sunday features a two-hour set by Foo Fighters.
As usual, a number of good indie groups and some intriguing revival shows are spread across the three days. I don’t see a perfect schedule but I’ll take what I can get.
Last year, I saw Devo and that was really cool. I wouldn’t mind seeing these old-timers (who play Sunday):
I also would love to see the return (on Saturday) of Death from Above 1979:
Go to the jump to see my picks for the Friday lineup.
