Lollapalooza – Chicago
October 19, 2011
Lollapoolza – What an experience. Definitely amazing and something I would do with my kids. My parents wouldn’t ever think of it. It was great seeing parents with their children sharing the experience of bands.
Now, let’s get back to the real experience. Lollapalooza is a three day music festival which takes over Chicago’s Grant Park. The sounds of bands and people buzzing about seep out onto Lake Shore Drive and probably across Lake Michigan.
I’ve never been to a music festival before but with growing hype of Bonnaroo and Coachella it was something I put on my radar. While I not one for camping Lollapalooza seemed the best and most obvious choice. Chicago, Grant Park, Hotel.
Day 1 – arrived at 1 pm. First orders of business – get Id’ed and get a wristband. Start drinking. With a budget of $100 a day for food and drinks I thought I was well on my way to a good time. Kicked off at the Budlight stage then moved south to Perry’s and Sony.
Day 2 – it was a slower start to the day. We’re definitely cruising thru stages. We started off a PlayStation to catch Skylar Grey then over to Budlight which finding ourselves back at Perry’s. Which is rocking out at 4 PM. It might seem like a long day but by the time you see two bands it’s already 4! Perry’s is setup as an airplane hanger. The lights and experience takes you to another level. Mostly electronic techno beats pulls you in from the moment you enter. Once the bass hits you, consider yourself a goner. I’m sure many people stayed at Perry’s for three days. After we raged at Perry’s, break, then moved over to get a great spot for Eminem. With a full sport bottle of wine for the wait it seemed short. Eminem took the stage and went to work. Since we were on a schedule we stayed for 45 minutes and went to see Pretty Lights back at Perry’s. Of course, after polishing off my sport bottle I called them Pretty Little Lights. Don’t ask! Perry’s in full swing we hit the ground and turned up the party. It was pure madness once Pretty Lights set was complete. People just poured out into the streets. Perfect way to cap off Saturday.
Day 3 – Sunday was an even slower day. We’re definitely not as young as we used to be. And my body is fighting back; HARD. Sunday kicked off with Friendly Fires at Budlight and City and Colour for some Canadian tunes. It was amazingly hot Sunday morning but around 4 the sky opened up and it rained for about 90 minutes. I took shelter at a picnic table and attempted to wait out the rain. After that, everything was destroyed. Budlight was swimming pool of mud. Enjoyed Damion Marley and Nas then headed south for Foo Fighters. We found ourselves as closest to the stage on the hill as we can get. 20 minutes into their set the sky opened up once again and poured. There was no hiding. Rain drops were falling so hard it hurt. What an experience. Nothing like watching a band rock out in the rain and have their fans stick with them. I ran to find cover. No luck. 45 minutes to Foo Fights we left to end Lollapalooza with Kid Cudi. Three friends left standing, Budlight limes in hand and soaked to the core. Chicago it’s a wrap!
