The crowds have headed home, the stages have been broken down and the grass in Grant Park can finally breathe after being trampled on by tens of thousands of music fans. Lollapalooza 2012 is long gone, but the memories live on in our groovy group of interns and employees who weathered the scalding heat, tumultuous rain and pressing crowds to witness this year’s spectacular line-up. I asked them a few questions to help get a glimpse into the event, go to page two for their answers.
The memories live on as well for this not so groovy SJG’er who watched portions of the festival at home on YouTube. Even though I wasn’t a part of the whole experience, I still felt like I was a part of the action. Seeing close-ups of my hollering heroes was better than being there in some ways – no heat, no crowds, no rain. It offered that next level of emotional connection with the music – seeing them and knowing it was happening at that same moment.
Almost as good as being there, right? It was incredible to see my guy, Hamilton Leithauser of The Walkmen, bellow out “Heaven” through his sweat and aviators in real time. Strangely, as he sang “All Hands and the Cook,” it seemed as if it wasn’t about a relationship, but instead a premonition of what was to come within the hour, “By the way, it won’t last. Rain will come.” It did indeed, intensely. But the summer was not quite passed, as the song declared, and when it cleared the music kept on rolling.
My favorite performer was the tall, red headed bella, Florence of Florence and the Machine. I couldn’t help but get emotional when she addressed the crowd on Sunday night. That girl has some magic about her – darn near cast a spell of love over the crowd with her incantation of ”Breath of Life,” from the movie Snow White and the Huntsmen, sung apparently for the first time live- “I was looking for a breath of a life. A little touch of heavenly light. But all the choirs in my head say, no, no, no…” – Magnificent. Of course, “Dog Days are Over” and “Shake it Out” deservingly put everyone in a frenzy, too. But for me, “Leave my Body” was the best song during their 75-minute set. It had fresh power for me seeing it live. As for the lyrics, well, I’ve always been a lyrics girl – “One bright moment, is all I ask…” I received a bright moment, from Lolla through YouTube. Next year – the real thing.
Here are the insights from some of our hip and effortlessly cool guys regarding their experience at the biggest music festival in the Midwest!
What was the best part of Lollapalooza 2012?
Wilhelm Lawrence:My absolute favorite part of Lolla 2012 had to be going to see Calvin Harris and throwing caution in to the wind and jumping into the muddy pit in the Perry stage area. The music was excellent and the crowd let it be known that they were there for a crazy time!
Alex San Jose:The best part of Lollapalooza year after year is the experience. The ability to enjoy the festival with a mass group of friends, including those you haven’t seen since High School, is absolutely incredible.
Felipe Vieira:The best part was getting to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform, especially since we all thought it wasn’t going to happen after the surprise weather evacuation. I have been a big fan for a very long time; I have always wanted to see them perform live. It was unreal. They played an amazing set and most of my favorite songs. I would see them again in a heartbeat.