TVD Live: Lollapalooza at Grant Park, 8/6

2:14PM: We’ve got clouds and some more rain today but Bakar and band are doing their best to lift the soggy spirits of Lollapaloozans. The British singer pulls a crowd early in the day, despite the weather.

3:00PM: Duo Neil Frances—not to be confused with Chicago musician Neal Francis—kick off a shimmery set full of indie electropop at the Bud Light stage.

3:58PM: The only disappointing note about Big Boss Vette’s set was its length. Clocking in at about half of the 45 minute slot, my guess is that she just needs a few more songs to fill out her show. I loved seeing her perform “Pretty Girls Walk” live.

5:13PM: Lil Yachty has one of the best albums of 2023, in my opinion, Let’s Start Here. In a surprising departure from his trap rap, the album is a funky, psychedelic journey. It sounds even better in person, but I wonder why he didn’t take this opportunity to have a full band backing him?

5:22PM: Shout out to the badass dude who just crowd surfed in his wheelchair.

5:33PM: After four days of observation, I’ve made a list of Lolla ’23 fashion trends: bubble braids, cowboy hats with fringe, long skirts, jerseys, of course, Barbie-themed apparel, heart-shaped sunglasses, facial art/bedazzlement, bucket hats, animal ears, plant sprouts on hats.

6:04PM: The Joey Bada$$ crowd continues to expand, sporadically chanting “JOEY!” and for good reason—he’s commanding the stage with finesse and ease, all while preaching love and positivity. And it doesn’t hurt that Chance the Rapper joins him for a couple songs.

6:59PM: A Boogie wit da Hoodie has fun props—the T-Mobile stage has been transformed and is now is “under construction.” There are cones, traffic lights, brick walls—even a payphone!

7:40PM: I’ve not given enough love to Perry’s Stage this year, so I make my way over to bask in the wild crowd for Alan Walker. It’s everything I hoped for and more.

9:08PM: Flea forever, for real. He handstands his way over to his bass—moments later he leaps through the air, all while playing the shit out of said bass. Anthony Kiedis is dancing around the stage—in a leg brace, mind you; John Frusciante is throwing down one face-melting guitar improvisation after another; Chad Smith is laughing and flinging his drumsticks in the air. I’m just as enamored with this band now as I was when I first saw them at 15. The Red Hot Chili Peppers forever!

10:12PM: Lolla ’23 has come to a close. It was a good one, filled with memorable sets and minimal medic calls. And now we rest and dream of next year.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS