Day Two of Lollapalooza was much dryer, longer and drama-free than its first day, which saw artists storm off stage early, torrential down pours and an evacuation that cut the headliners sets to less than 15 minutes. Friday’s headliners had a very nostalgic 2000s kind of feel as The Killers and Blink 182 played the two biggest stages.
THE KILLERS
The Killers are definitely the front runner for best show of the fest. With an incredible 90 minute setlist that spanned every album and even their new single, “The Man.” Their extensive hitlist turned their headline set into more of a sing along. Lead singer Brandon Flowers‘ incredible stage presence and connection with the audience made the band elevate to incredible rock star status. The most memorable and special moment was when the band chose to cover “Starlight” by Muse to give the fans a taste of what the weather kept them from seeing the night before. It was a thoughtful, kind and memorable gesture. This was truly an incredible show.
RUN THE JEWELS
Killer Mike and El-p took the stage to a massive crowd right before sunset. This bands rise to fame has been as intense as many of their pumping beats. The crowd was absolutely fired up and mosh pit after mosh pit formed as the bodies in the crowd swayed side to side with every song. The highlight of the show was when Killer Mike saw a young man in the crowd holding a sign that he wanted to rap “Legend Has It” on stage, so they invited him up. Then the kid, named Jacob, who had to be less than 20 years old had maybe the greatest moment of his life as he rapped on stage with one of the hottest rap groups in the world.
LIVE
This band which reached mega levels of success in the 1990s headlined an official Lollapalooza aftershow at Park West. Three decades later and after a seven year hiatus Ed Kowalczyk and company haven’t missed a beat. Kowalcyzk’s voice is still as haunting and wonderful as when they recorded their first album 25 years ago. “Lightning Crashes” and “I Alone” brought the house down. 2017 felt just like the 90s tonight!
THE SHELTERS
This LA band opened for Live and are my favorite discovery of the festival so far. Blending punk rock elements, southern rock and even some almost Californian, beachy vibes; this band rocks and grooves. I was pulled in immediately and by the end of the show when they jammed out with some impressive guitar solos I was all in on this band.
Saturday’s highlights include Chance the Rapper, The XX, Glass Animals, Royal Blood and more.
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