Review: Lollapalooza 2024 Shines with Record-Breaking Crowds and Unmatched Energy

MusicQ&A

Aug 9

☆ BY kimberly kapela ☆

LOLLAPALOOZA 2024 – returned to Chicago’s Grant Park from August 1-4, marking a historic year for the iconic four-day festival. This edition of Lollapalooza saw a record-breaking turnout, with attendees excited to see a diverse lineup of artists from across the globe. The festival featured an array of headliners, including Hozier, Megan Thee Stallion, The Killers, SZA, Stray Kids and Blink-182, each bringing their unique sound and energy to the stage. However, this year’s Lolla stood out not just for its stellar lineup, but also for the remarkable presence of powerful female artists who took center stage.

One of the standout moments of the festival was Chappell Roan’s Thursday set, which drew an unexpectedly massive crowd of an estimated 90,000 attendees.

The festival's lineup this year saw an impressive lineup of female artists gracing the stages. Megan Thee Stallion delivered a show-stopping performance that was a celebration of self-confidence, empowerment and unapologetic femininity.

Reneé Rapp, Victoria Monét, Tyla, and FLO also made waves at the festival, each bringing their unique style and voice to the mix. Reneé Rapp dazzled the crowd with her powerful vocals and surprised the audience with Chance The Rapper’s appearance. Victoria Monét, known for her sultry R&B grooves and infectious stage presence, had the audience swaying to her every note. Tyla’s genre-blending sound and high-energy performance kept the crowd dancing, while FLO delivered a set full of harmonies and pop hits.

In an exclusive interview with Luna, Lolla founder and frontman of Jane’s Addiction Perry Farrell, said the dominant female presence showcased this lineup was necessary.

“I feel like women have to be at the front,” Farrell said. “They have an intuition and instinct that’s theirs. It’s way past time and we have to listen to women. The timing couldn’t have been better. I love everyone. My contribution to the atmosphere is a unified people.”

While Lolla dazzled with star-studded headliners and international acts, it also served as a powerful tribute to Chicago’s thriving music scene. This year’s festival was not just a showcase of global talent but a celebration of the city’s own homegrown artists who have been the heartbeat of Chicago’s DIY music community. Bands like Friko, Worry Club, Scarlet Demore, and Slow Pulp brought Chicago’s energy to one of the biggest stages in the country.

In many ways, Lolla 2024 was a celebration of Chicago itself. As these local acts stood shoulder to shoulder with some of the biggest names in the industry, they carried with them the energy of Chicago – a city where music is not just heard but felt, lived and breathed.

Thursday, August 1

Worry Club’s performance captured the laid-back, yet emotionally charged essence of Chicago’s indie-rock world. Their dreamy soundscapes and introspective lyrics transported festival-goers to the very basements and DIY spaces where their music first took shape.

From the moment Blondhsell stepped onto the Bacardí Stage, there was an electric anticipation in the air. With her commanding presence and signature blend of grunge-infused rock, Blondshell immediately drew the crowd into her world, delivering a set that was as powerful as it was intimate. Opening with her breakout single, “Veronica Mars,” Blondshell set the tone for what would be an emotionally charged performance. Her voice, rich with both vulnerability and defiance, echoed across the festival grounds, captivating listeners with each note.

The Midwest princess herself, Chappell Roan, delivered an unforgettable debut performance at Lollapalooza, drawing an overwhelming crowd of an estimated 90,000 attendees. The sea of pink bedazzled cowboy hats and boots that adorned the audience was a testament to the magnetic allure of the 26-year-old popstar. She carved her name into Lollapalooza history by attracting the biggest crowd the festival has ever seen.

Her setlist was a well-curated mix of her biggest hits and fan favorites from The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Songs like “Red Wine Supernova,” “Pink Pony Club,” and “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” had the audience singing, dancing and crying. The emotional high point came during her performance of “Casual,” a ballad that had many in the crowd wiping away tears.

Hozier returned to the festival for the first time since 2019, this time as a headliner. The Irish singer-songwriter delivered a performance that was not only musically captivating but also deeply rooted in activism and social justice, making it one of the most talked-about sets of the festival. The set began with a mix of fan favorites and new material, showcasing the soulful blend of rock, blues, and folk that has become his signature sound.

Midway through his set, Hozier paused to give a passionate and powerful speech about the power of community to uplift and inspire. One of the standout moments of the night came when Hozier addressed the ongoing genocide against Palestinians. With a solemn and urgent tone, he called for justice and an end to the violence. This message was further amplified when Hozier launched into a powerful performance of “Nina Cried Power.”

Friday, August 2

Sundial’s performance marked a major milestone for the band as they made their festival debut, playing to a packed and enthusiastic crowd. Performing hits from their critically acclaimed album The Roaring Twenties, the band delivered a set that had everyone dancing, while also capturing the essence of growing pains and emotional introspection that have become the signature tone of their music.

Wisp captivated the audience at the Bacardí Stage with a powerful set that highlighted tracks from her debut EP, Pandora. The rising shoegaze star delivered a performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing. The highlight of the set came with Wisp's performance of “Your Face,” the standout track from Pandora that has quickly become a fan favorite. The haunting melodies and dreamy soundscapes of the song washed over the audience, creating a hypnotic atmosphere that felt both intimate and expansive. As Wisp's voice soared over the reverb-drenched guitars, the crowd was utterly transfixed, swaying to the rhythm and getting lost in the sonic layers that define her sound.

Saturday, August 3

Destroy Boys took Lollapalooza by storm with a fierce and unforgettable debut performance that left the crowd buzzing with energy and excitement. The Sacramento punks, known for their raw sound and unapologetic attitude, showcased their musical prowess but also championed safe spaces for queer and trans attendees. Destroy Boys kicked things off with a burst of energy, tearing through tracks from their highly anticipated new record, Funeral Soundtrack #4. Throughout their set, the band made it clear that their shows are a space for everyone, especially queer and trans individuals, to feel safe and supported.

Ethel Cain left the audience spellbound with her haunting vocals and deeply emotional storytelling. Taking the stage with a quiet intensity, Cain's presence was both commanding and ethereal, drawing the crowd into the dark and introspective world she has meticulously crafted through her music. Cain's voice, rich with emotion and depth, resonated powerfully, carrying the weight of the themes she explores in her music – family trauma, religion and love. The setlist featured fan favorites from her critically acclaimed album Preacher's Daughter.

Deftones unleashed a blistering set, captivating the crowd with their signature blend of heavy riffs, atmospheric melodies and visceral intensity. As one of the most anticipated acts of the festival, the band did not disappoint, delivering a performance that was both powerful and unforgettable. The band kicked off their set with tracks from their iconic albums White Pony and Diamond Eyes, immediately setting the tone for what would be an onslaught of pure rock mayhem.

Sunday, August 4

The energy at Lolla surged to new heights the moment Scarlet Demore took the stage, instantly captivating the crowd with their gritty, no-holds-barred performance. Midway through their set, a memorable all-girls mosh pit erupted. Each song was delivered with an intensity that resonated, from the heavy, distorted riffs to the gritty, impassioned vocals from frontwoman Cat Ayala that cut through the festival air.

Hanabie, the all-female Japanese nu metalcore band from Tokyo, made an unforgettable impact at Lolla. Hanabie has garnered attention for their unique blend of crushing metalcore and vibrant Harajuku aesthetics — a style they proudly describe as “Harajuku-core.” From the moment they hit the stage, Hanabie unleashed a relentless barrage of crushing beatdowns and powerful, guttural vocals that set the tone for an energetic and electrifying atmosphere. The band's ability to merge the intensity of nu metalcore with the playful and colorful visuals of Harajuku fashion created a striking contrast that captivated the crowd.

As Pierce The Veil took the stage, they announced that this was the biggest show they had ever played. The excitement was roaring as they launched into their set, kicking things off with the fan favorites “Death of an Executioner” and “Caraphernelia.”

One of the most memorable moments of the night came when frontman Vic Fuentes invited a lucky fan on stage to perform “Hold on Till May.” Fuentes gave away his guitar to the fan. The rest of the set saw the band deliver powerful performances of "Bulls in the Bronx" and "King for a Day." Each song was met with an outpouring of enthusiasm from the crowd, who moshed, jumped, and screamed along to the anthemic choruses.

As Lollapalooza 2024 comes to a close, it leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances and unforgettable moments. The festival has once again proven its place as a cultural cornerstone. This year, the festival’s focus on female artists not only made history, but also set the stage for a future where women continue to dominate and redefine the industry.