TVD Live: Lollapalooza at Grant Park, 8/2

3:08PM: “This is what five feminists looks like,” IDLES lead singer Joe Talbot growls before the Bristol rock band dives into “Mother.” They are just the jolt of rock Lollapalooza needs (and once had on the regular). Three songs in and guitarist Mark Bowen and bassist Adam Devonshire have already leaped into the crowd. This is a set I won’t forget.

3:28PM: Wandering past the Toyota Music Den, I hear a cover of The Beatles’ “Come Together.” It’s The New Respects. I pause to listen and enjoy.

4:26PM: Japanese Breakfast finishes up an already stellar set with a great cover of Wilco’s “Jesus, etc.” Nice touch.

4:31PM: Fence hoppers! At least 20 just leaped over the fences by the Bud Light Stage and once again security cannot catch them. They’re in!

5:12PM: Maggie Rogers is playing directly into the sun but that doesn’t stop her from bouncing around the stage with seemingly endless energy. She is dancing up a storm!

5:54PM: Conan Gray just did a gymnastics routine for an interview in the Press Tent and we were all so impressed we clapped. He stuck the landing.

7:13PM: And now for the main event: Janelle Monae! “Life is only made of memories—tiny small moments,” she reflects. “My only hope to you, Chicago, is that I create a memory for you because what I’m seeing right now is a memory I’ll never forget.” She gazes out at the field of people with the skyline as the backdrop.

7:18PM: Monae takes “Prime Time” into “Purple Rain” and finishes with “We love you Prince.” It’s going to be hard to top this performance.

7:25PM: The email every photographer has been dreading just arrived: no photo allowed for Childish Gambino. I’m depressed.

7:49PM: Back to the set of the weekend: “I wish I had more time!” Janelle admits. ME TOO.

8:05PM: Perry’s Stage has been an endless stream of crappy EDM DJs. I honestly couldn’t tell you the difference from one to the next. But the younger crowd loves it and every time I pass the area it’s packed with bodies.

9:00PM: Tame Impala is closing down the Bud Light Stage with their usual psychedelic grooves and mood lighting. The crowd digs it.

IDLES