So far, the acts rumored to be performing at this year's Lollapalooza in Grant Park on Aug. 7 to 9 have been less than thrilling: Kings of Leon, Depeche Mode, Jane's Addiction and (the one standout) the Beastie Boys. But industry sources cornered at SXSW have added another exciting name to the list: Lou Reed.
The venerated godfather of punk has been performing his classic 1973 concept album "Berlin" in select cities, but he's yet to stop in Chicago. It's unclear whether he'll be playing that piece at Lollapalooza or a plain old Lou Reed set, but either way, it should be a treat.
Also said to be joining the roster, whenever Austin, TX-based promoters C3 Presents choose to announce it: alternative-country chanteuse and former Chicagoan Neko Case and the Windy City's devoted pop eccentric Andrew Bird.
Discounted "early bird" tickets for the festival go on sale on March 31. An earlier bacth of "souvenir tickets" were put on sale a few weeks ago, and they quickly sold out.
C3, which staged the Grant Park rally the night of President Obama's election as well as several events in Washington, D.C. during the inauguration, is also said to have been tapped to help stage this year's Easter egg hunt on the White House lawn. No word yet on whether Perry Farrell will take part.
Nice. Hopefully these aren't just rumors. Lolla needs some refreshing acts this year.
Wow, I'd take any of them over the headliners expected so far. Thanks for the news!
Nothing wrong with the headliners so far. Up until last year, Lollapalooza was all about those middle tier acts. Seems to be getting back to form this year.
Several years ago I was incredibly excited to be seeing Lou Reed at the venue on Navy Pier. It was a blustery cold June night and for some reason the theater management refused to close the sides in. Adding to the uncomfortable chill was Lou himself who shunned the catalogue that everyone came to see and instead narrated to music the Edgar Allen Poe poem The Raven. Lou was accompanied by a Mr. Meeyogi performing Jiu Jitsu ballet. Understandably the crowd grew restless and eventually belligerent which drew derision from Mr. Reed. A truly bizarre and uncomfortable night.
I don't think i will go to Lolla this year. Maybe one day if they bring Bon Iver or the Silversun Pickups.