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Lollapalooza has been a concert event that has famous and unknown bands taking stage for about twenty fabulous years. The story goes that the lead singer of Jane’s Addiction, Perry Farrell, started planning a farewell show back in 1991, which morphed into this “larger-than-life musical roadshow.”

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This is my third year going to Lollapalooza for a single day! With headliners (past and present) such as Radiohead, Coldplay, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, it is an event that is hard to miss.  In addition, this year they finally tackled the horrendous entrance by having wrist bands with a chip inside. There was no line when entering! In addition, I thought that it was interesting the way they even asked patrons to collect garabage to get cool swag and a chance to win a prize (shown in the picture above)!

My single pass for Sunday at Lolla started with planning my attack of the seven stages at which different bands rocked.  My first stop was the Sony Stage where Bowerbirds played an energetic set. Then, it was on to the Red Bull Soundstage where I listened to an English indie rock band called Bombay Bicycle Club.  The vocalist is amazing, and they are great live! Next, I watched Trampled by Turtles and The Walkmen, which I recommend if you have not heard.

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Finally, it was 4pm and the main band I went to see was playing at the Red Bull Soundstage! Sigur Ros, an icelandic band known for a more ethereal sound, took the stage in front of a huge fan base. They rarely tour since they formed in 1994, and I was thrilled to see the vocalist/guitarist Jonsi Birgisson’s performance.  It was nothing short of AMAZING!

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Other known bands that I heard were Florence + The Machine, Of Monsters & Men, and Miike Snow. Overall, the event was a great success in my eyes! They had CamelBak water stations for the patrons to stay hydrated for the long day in the sun, and the food was like a little taste of Chicago! If you have not gone to Lollapalooza, I would definitely invest in a single-day or splurge on a 3-day pass, because you definitely get your money’s worth.