TVD Live: Lollapalooza at Grant Park, 8/1

Lollapalooza started its 20th anniversary in Chicago very strong. This annual music festival is one of the biggest taking place every summer, drawing about 115,000 attendees each day—an increase from the previous capacity of 100,000. With so many people coming together in one space, some traveling long distances to experience this festival, it’s only right they book awe inspiring acts. 2024 did not disappoint.

1:50PM: I venture to the Bacardí stage, nestled in a more tree-filled area on the north side of the park, to catch Chicago locals Blondshell make their Lollapalooza debut. This stage is interesting because they have a Bacardí activation located directly next to the stage, where attendees can enjoy alcoholic beverages while dancing to DJ’s. Luckily there isn’t any noise overlap, so the music coming from the activation does not interfere with the music happening on the proper stage. Blondshell have a relaxed sound, allowing the crowd to ease their way into day one of the fest.

3:15PM: Lollapalooza does a great job of booking both national and international acts, such as South African songstress Tyla. Her stage has a giant blow up Tiger smack dab in the middle with the screen behind it displaying graphics resembling what you would think you’d see if you were on a safari trip. Backed by many talented dancers, Tyla’s moves and vocals really shined throughout her set. Some of the choreography was reminiscent of a renaissance painting, with Tyla skillfully centered amongst her dancers, perfectly creating a picturesque moment.

5:00PM: I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a crowd this large at Lollapalooza before, especially not in the middle of the day on a Thursday. This has to be the single largest crowd at any performance in Lollapalooza history; I’d estimate at least 70,000-80,000 people are here to witness Chappell Roan take the stage.

Chappell Roan’s career has seemingly blown up to legendary status overnight. Her performance easily proves why. Dressed in a lucha libre style outfit, with the stage set up as a boxing ring around the drum set and various workout equipment scattered throughout with bodybuilders performing different moves the entire time, Chappell lit up the stage with her energetic stage presence and impressive vocals, not missing a single beat as she traipsed around the stage. This is going to be a very hard set to beat.

6:00PM: Following Chappell Roan is no easy feat, but Kesha accepted the challenge and crushed it. Marking her victory of ditching her label after an awful experience with her former producer, Kesha charged the stage to a backdrop with the word “FREEDOM” boldly displayed, carrying into her performing her latest single with the same name.

Kesha and her dancers are covered in glitter, sparkling and dazzling the crowd with her infectious dancing and overall fun atmosphere. She even bore a fake heart that she threw into the crowd during “Cannibal,” with her and her dancers subsequently rubbing fake blood on themselves.

6:45PM: Walking over to the far north end of the park, a more relaxed set from Lizzy McAlpine and her band was a much needed break from the craziness of the packed crowd on the other side of the park. Lizzy’s light and airy vocals over her jam band style music leaves the crowd sweetly singing back to her.

Her band is impressive, perfectly highlighting her strengths as a songwriter. They’re all lined up on the stage, sitting in chairs surrounded by various lights and amps, jamming out with each other. It’s an intimate feeling witnessing this performance, and seeing younger girls in the front row smiling ear to ear is heartwarming.

8:45PM: Closing out night one on the north side of the park is Hozier. Mixing folk and soul, the Irish singer and songwriter blazed through his powerful set with his sultry vocals setting the mood for all of those in the crowd there to dance. A highlight of his set was his powerful speech about calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging the crowd to use their voice and call their representatives while discussing the importance of protests against injustice.

This led to his powerful track “Nina Cried Power,” which he explains he recorded in Chicago and features the legendary Mavis Staples, one of his biggest influences. It was only fitting that it started to rain during this track, with the skies of Chicago literally “crying” power with everyone there to witness this song. The impending storm was able to hold off right to the very end, with Hozier and the crowd belting the lyrics to “Take Me To Church” before the lightning started to emerge in the sky, signaling the end to the first night of Lollapalooza.

BLONDSHELL