TVD Live: Lollapalooza at Grant Park, 7/31

1:59 PM The Monophonics immediately catch my ear as I enter the grounds. Very soulful— I mean, you can never go wrong with Motown.

3:10 PM So far Lolla fashion has remained pretty consistent over the last few years: NBA jerseys, jorts that cover nothing, bikini tops, spandex, and Hawaiian shirts. This year’s additions to the list include pigtails, George Michael-esque cross earrings, glitter (so much), and these free Solana sunglasses that continue to get passed out to the masses.

3:22 PM Everyone is in great spirits at Perry’s for CID. Even security is particularly jovial—dancing, taking photos for fans, and squirting the crowd with water guns to keep them cool.

3:34 PM Salt Lake City’s Backseat Lovers are rocking the T-Mobile Stage.

3:54 PM Two songs into his set and Cautious Clay has shown he’s multitalented. Aside from lead vocals, he plays the flute and saxophone.

4:11 PM Passing by the Toyota Music Den, I catch a couple Sophie Cates songs during an intimate set.

4:20 PM Mt. Joy has just blasted through a few excellent covers: The Flaming Lips’ “Do You Realize??” and Gorillaz’ “Clint Eastwood.”

4:43 PM Trippie Redd has not finished a full song but the crowd is pumped regardless. He tries to light a blunt but “it’s too windy. We in the Windy City!”

4:56 PM The MLB trade deadline rocked northside Chicagoans pretty hard, as the Cubs traded away fan favorites Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Báez. Consequently, the Cubs jerseys are everywhere today and some have taken liberties with them (“Fuck the Ricketts”).

5:40 PM Surprise! Word is out that Machine Gun Kelly is doing a set at the Bud Seltzer Sessions Stage. I won’t make it in time but assume it’ll be energetic.

5:49 PM Finally a little love for the late Biz Markie from Freddie Gibbs’ DJ. “You…you got what I need…” the crowd screams along.

6:10 PM Freddie is in the crowd free-styling as the sun sets. His fans mosh and occasionally break out in “Fuck Covid!” chants led by the masterful rapper.

6:46 PM It’s a Chance the Rapper sighting! He’s rolling deep in the Press Lounge, taking a Connie’s deep dish dinner break with his crew.

7:07 PM Megan Thee Stallion has thee biggest gathering of humans I’ve seen yet. There’s nowhere to move, so I nestle myself against a fence to take in her set and do some people-watching. Two girls ferociously make out directly in front of me; a boyfriend tries to feed his stumbling girlfriend water; a girl cries—she’s lost her friends in the crowd.

7:20 PM My “couples fighting” counter: literally lost count. Off the charts.

7:26 PM “Check on your strong friends,” Thee Stallion addresses her massive audience. “Check on your people. Check on their mental health. That’s what thotties do: spread positivity!” As she’s saying this, two bros appear next to me. One is sobbing and the other is just holding him in his arms, soothing him. It’s touching and nice to see such affection between two straight men.

7:47 PM “My name is Victoria but I go by Toria.” The bros have been replaced and my new neighbors are on a Bumble date.

9:16 PM Trusty red solo cup in hand, Post Malone smiles big and takes in the view of the field. He’s grateful to be performing in front of people again and they’re just as grateful to watch him bouncing around the stage.

CID