banner image courtesy of Free-Photos from Pixabay
As Lollapalooza steps into the future with Lolla2020, here’s a look at the spirit of Lollapalooza future, and a glimpse at the spirit of Lolla past.
With covid-19 wreaking havoc on our lives, and stay-at-home regimes imposed to stop the spread of the virus, you might be thinking that Lollapalooza 2020 is cancelled.
Well, then, have I got news for you!
Lollapalooza 2020 might be dead, but Lollapalooza sure ain’t!
Come July 30th, and we’ll be experiencing Lolla2020.
Or, as I like to call it, Lollapalooza 2.0.
What is Lolla2020?
According to the Lollapalooza website, Lolla2020 is a virtual event featuring “performances from around the city and beyond”.
In other words, it is a virtual version of the good old real life Lollapalooza festival that we’re so fond of.
A virtual event
Large physical gatherings are off the table till the pandemic subsides.
You’d think that would be the end of Lollapalooza, at least for this year.
But no, Lollapalooza refuses to be defeated.
It has moved the event online for 2020.
And the large crowds, Grant Park atmosphere, and outdoorsy feel that so many long for all year will be back as soon the virus is brought under control.
A step into the future?
All of us enjoy real life celebrations.
Being part of an event with other people is something that we look forward to.
However, with things the way they are, everything - from brick and mortar stores to festivals - has started to create an online presence.
And it looks like this is how things will be from now on.
In that sense, Lolla2020 is a step into the future.
What will Lolla2020 feature?
As per current reports, Lolla2020 will feature:
Archived sets - Select performances from former editions of Lollapalooza (both from Chicago and other locations), and rare 90’s footage.
Brand new performances - Over 40 new performances by artists and bands across the globe, culminating into a weekend musical feast.
Community action - Discussions and awareness sessions on music, social issues, and a host of other issues.
In other words, the only thing missing will be the actual crowds at Grant Park, which will be back as soon as conditions permit.
However, as we know, family time is fun time, and Lolla2020 certainly promises to be an online event that the whole family can share and enjoy.
Glimpses from Lollapalooza past
As we step into this brand new Lolla2020 - or as I call it, Lollapalooza 2.0 - this might be a good idea to take a look at the festival’s past.
Did you know Lollapalooza was originally supposed to be a farewell event?
It’s true.
Perry Farrell originally conceived it as a farewell for his band Jane’s Addiction, which was facing a breakup over creative differences between band members.
It turned out to be so successful that it became an annual thing.
It’s one of a kind
Even in the volatile world of music, Lollapalooza has distinguished itself by maintaining its uniqueness.
Alternative music tour
Lollapalooza bills itself as an ‘alternative music event’.
Other such events such as Woodstock and A Gathering of the Tribes were single-venue events.
The inaugural edition of Lollapalooza toured across the US and Canada all through July and August of 1991, making it a multiple-venue event.
Annual music festival
Since then, it’s also distinguished itself by becoming an annual event, not a one-off.
It shut down in 1997
At that time, Perry Farrell, the guiding inspiration behind the festival, decided to focus on a separate project called ENIT.
Incidentally, ENIT was originally conceived as an ‘after-party’ for Lollapalooza.
Alternative rock also suffered a decline around that time, which led to a collapse of Lolla for the time being.
Revival
In 2003, Perry Farrell re-entered the arena, and managed to resurrect Lollapalooza.
Originally, it was planned to be a tour, as it had started out.
However, that didn’t get a good response.
Grant Park venue
In 2005, Farrell designed the festival as a 2-day single-venue event, the venue being Grant Park.
It was a resounding success, despite Chicago experiencing a heat wave at the time.
And it’s been a success ever since.
How can you join Lolla2020?
Visit the Lollapalooza website and sign up for their E-list.
Finally, if you’re looking for a family event with a bit more excitement, check out Chicago’s premier escape room!
Yes, we’re back!
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