2010

LOLLAPALOOZA VETS RETURN TO THE MAIN STAGE

Lollapalooza showed its willingness to take big risks to please fans in 2010. The consequent decision to include both Green Day (who also performed in the 1994 tour) and pop sensation Lady Gaga – a 2007 Lolla veteran – as headliners was deemed a controversial choice by many at the time. But the festival’s gamble paid off, as her performance ultimately won a mountain of praise and a boatload of buzz.

With a lineup that also showcased rockers The Strokes, indie-ensemble – and 2005 Lolla veterans – Arcade Fire, critical darlings The National, and rappers Cypress Hill, 2010’s Lollapalooza was an smoldering supernova of pop, hip-hop and rock acts. Following in the footsteps of fellow 90s rockers Jane’s Addiction, grunge pioneers Soundgarden became the second band to headline three Lollapaloozas (reprising appearances from 1992 and 1996). Perry’s came into its own, garnering attention for its killer lineup and huge crowds that came to catch bleeding-edge beats from artists like Empire of the Sun, Digitalism, and Kidz in the Hall.

Providing energy for hungry fest-goers, Lollapalooza’s food court, christened ChowTown, was tastefully curated by renowned Chicago chef Graham Elliott, putting affordable, local, and deliciously unique flavors of several of the city’s favorite restaurants in fans’ hands.