Lollapalooza was first launched on July 18, 1991.
Originally launched as a farewell tour for Jane’s Addiction, the festival has had a unique history from its initial run from 1991 to 1997. It was then revived in 2003, canceled in 2004 but has been active from 2005 to today. In the video below, Jane’s Addiction frontman and Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell offers a brief history of the festival.
Perry talks about the definition of the word “Lollapalooza” and says, “I thought about that and I went, ‘I can take all these different elements of music and art and lifestyle and swirl them together and make something wonderful.’ So, I thought it was the perfect name.”
Lollapalooza 2024
This week, the 2024 Lolla lineup was unveiled. As with previous years, its lineup is incredibly diverse.
Taking place August 1-4, the headliners include SZA, Tyler, the Creator, blink-182, The Killers, Future x Metro Boomin, Hozier, Stray Kids, Melanie Martinez and Skrillex.
Other notable acts on the lineup include deftones, Renee Rapp, Pierce the Veil, Sexyy Red, Two Door Cinema Club, Destroy Boys, Cults, Cannons, Waterparks, In This Moment, Militarie Gun, Hanabie and many more.
Lollapalooza 2024 lineup poster. (Live Nation)
Lollapalooza has definitely evolved over time from a traveling festival to its current multi-day extravaganza in Chicago’s Grant Park. The festival’s partnership with the City of Chicago helps give back to the host city. Per a Live Nation press release, ” … Organizers created the Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund, a $2.2M donation to support arts and education in Chicago Public Schools.”
The press release notes the festival supports other local nonprofits. They include Community Goods and Yollocalli, the Sueños Festival Job Fair, the African American Heritage Festivals, Teens in the Park Fest, Black Culture Fest, and Musically Fed.
So, how has the festival fared musically over the course of three decades? Here’s a look at past headliners and other notable acts from years past.
