From shock cameos and unreleased songs to inflatable Chicago Beans and black bear jokes, Lollapalooza 2025 gave us every thing. Whether or not it was Djo’s hometown love letter, Clairo’s last-minute triumph and Shelly reunion, or Dominic Fike’s heart-melting onstage second together with his baby, this yr’s competition was overflowing with unforgettable highlights – and we’re breaking down our favourite moments from each single day.
Lollapalooza has been occurring yearly since 1991, and followers proceed to return – for good motive!
The Chicago competition’s protected initiatives and thrilling lineup lead to a refreshing area for followers to attach with their favourite musicians. With an abundance of particular visitor appearances, unreleased songs, and unwavering vitality, this yr’s competition was one for the books. In case you missed it, we’re right here to focus on our favourite performances from the weekend!
Music festivals are all about selection, a side that bLAck pARty is aware of all too nicely. With a setlist starting from chill R&B hits to membership jams. The musician was accompanied by DJ Icee, who spun some tracks earlier than introducing the primary act. He additionally joined bLAck pARty throughout his set, which actually set the stage for the artist’s new album, The Final Dance. This LP is concentrated on DJ tradition, so it was solely becoming {that a} DJ was there alongside him on the Lollapalooza stage.
Magdalena Bay introduced an out of the world vitality to their set, offering an intergalactic expertise. The pop duo introduced the drama with theatrics, outfit modifications, and an electrifying enthusiasm. Followers have been inspired to “sit again, benefit from the present” because the group carried out “The Starting” as their final tune.
Retaining the group engaged is a job that Australian pop duo, Royel Otis has mastered. An outgoing act rubs off on the group, which was evident throughout this efficiency. Within the midst of technical difficulties, the group improvised by taking part in elevator music whereas fixing their devices. Followers took the tune “I Wanna Dance With You” fairly actually, as they started to leap and groove to the beat. Earlier than taking part in a fan favourite, “Couch King” they devoted the tune to the group saying, “This one’s for you guys. Each single fucking certainly one of ya’s.” Talking of well-perceived songs, the duo performed their model of “Linger” by the Cranberries and “Homicide on the Dancefloor” by Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
For those who have been on the competition this weekend, you in all probability noticed an abundance of crimson hats with the phrases “GLASS” plastered on the entrance. Tyler, The Creator continues to hold his legacy with him and again to Lollapalooza. He carried out tracks from his newest album, DON’T TAP THE GLASS, together with fan favorites. Tyler admitted to the group, “I nearly didn’t make it y’all, there was a storm in Atlanta. However I used to be like nah, fuck that we gotta get to this bitch tonight.” After 2024’s cancellation, Tyler is again and higher than ever after the releases of CHROMAKOPIA and DON’T TAP THE GLASS.
Regardless that Tyler, The Creator concluded Thursday’s competition, the evening had simply begun for a lot of concert-goers. Lollapalooza’s aftershows permit for an intimate expertise along with your favourite artists on the competition’s lineup. Ocean Alley’s aftershow was no totally different, offering listeners with an up-close-and-personal expertise. The six-piece performed an unreleased tune referred to as “Drenched”: “We’ve acquired some new music popping out, a brand new document. It’s referred to as Love Balloon. We’re fucking stoked to have some new music to play for you guys. And on that word, we’re gonna play an unreleased monitor.” The group additionally carried out quite a lot of cherished hits starting from “Confidence” to their very personal rendition of “Child Come Again” by Participant. Thursday’s present was the right method to put together the band, and their followers for the group’s competition efficiency on Friday.
Because the solar radiated its warmth, Dogpark channeled their sunny vibes as their set began the day. “Breaking in Brooklyn” is at all times a crowd favourite, regardless of the vacation spot it’s performed in. The band’s infectious head nodding and hair flips prompted followers to do the identical as they rocked out- even throughout unreleased songs. Lollapalooza appears to be the competition of unreleased gems, as many acts confirmed all of the tips they’ve up their sleeve. For Dogpark, they revealed two unknown songs to followers. “This subsequent one we’re gonna play isn’t out but, we’ve solely performed it two occasions. It’s in all probability popping out in September, it’s referred to as September.” The second monitor from the vault was titled, “I Don’t Thoughts.” Dogpark confirmed followers who they’re, why they need to care, and what’s subsequent for them within the span of 45 minutes.
hey, nothing created such a lighthearted, entertaining setting combined with weak lyrics alongside humorous commentary and fan interactions. Earlier than taking part in their newest single “Black Bear” they joked: “We simply put out a tune yesterday about entering into bodily altercations with black bears. Besides, we’d by no means do this as a result of we love animals.”
Chicago is a particular metropolis to Djo, a sentiment that he’s carried into his music and his Lollapalooza set. Djo, also referred to as Joe Keery, began the present together with his tune “Runner” which later transitioned into “Gloom.” Because the second tune started, a black curtain fell down, solely to disclose a large inflatable bean reproduction. Keery introduced this vacationer attraction proper to the group, welcoming them to Chicago. The group was as smitten by Djo’s efficiency as he was: “You’re not messing round man, I don’t suppose I’ve ever seen this quantity of individuals in my complete life” he added. The Stranger Issues star shocked followers with a video cameo from castmate Charlie Heaton throughout “Charlie’s Backyard.” Talking of recordings, Keery grabbed the stage videocamera and started operating round filming his band and the group. Not solely is he an artist and actor, he has now stepped into a brand new function as a cameraman. This set was partaking and interactive, because the musician actually felt at house throughout his Lollapalooza efficiency. Whereas taking part in this present, Keery admired the group, and the way far he’s come. As he regarded out in direction of the viewers in awe, his facial expressions confirmed that it was evident he was experiencing an “I’ve made it” realization. This intimate second touched followers as nicely, as they shared an emotional milestone with the artist. His final tune was memorable, as he performed “Again On You” whereas the United Voices Chicago Choir accompanied him. This set was proof that you simply could possibly take the person out of the town, however you’ll by no means be capable to take the town out of the person.
Indie pop trio, Wallows, began their Lollapalooza journey as followers 12 years in the past. “The primary time all of us got here to this competition collectively was in 2013, we have been simply having a superb time. Everybody who was taking part in units up right here, it simply appeared like a pipe dream. The primary competition we ever performed was right here in 2018 on the Tito’s stage at like midday.” The three continued to specific their love for the competition by declaring that Lollapalooza is, in actual fact, their favourite. Lead singer, Dylan Minnette, stepped off the stage throughout “OK” and started pointing the microphones in direction of followers, having them sing elements of the tune.
Whereas a majority of the competition went to catch Olivia Rodrigo’s headlining set, we like to help the underdogs. Bladee introduced the vitality to the Grove stage with flashing lights and bass-boosted beats.
Taking part in festivals has at all times been a dream for singer-songwriter Landon Conrath. 5 years later, he carried out at his first ever competition. His pleasure bled into his efficiency as he was energetic as ever. This set was yet one more reminder that tough work does repay, even when the outcomes take time.
Dwell performances are a real testomony to a band’s liveliness, it doesn’t matter what style of music they create. Jazz influenced duo, Wasia Challenge, managed to maintain followers engaged as they exuded an upbeat vitality, even throughout their slower songs. Lead singer Olivia Hardy added, “This has actually been like a spotlight of our yr to this point.”
Orion Solar paired her heartfelt lyrics with hand motions and dancing with the intention to additional convey the feelings behind her music. Earlier than taking part in a fan favourite, “soiled dancer” she requested “Do now we have any soiled dancers in right here?” This set was full of fine vibes, as her real smile lit up the stage.
Clairo started her efficiency by exhibiting the group her classiness, as she sipped wine alongside her band earlier than taking part in. This side of the present was prevalent, from the stage setup, even to the black and white video on the screens. The indie-pop sensation admitted to the viewers: “You don’t have any thought how a lot it took for us to get right here as we speak” she laughed. “We have been on a airplane that boarded twice, and deplaned twice. After which we took one other airplane, and we acquired right here one hour earlier than we have been alleged to go on stage.” That didn’t cease her although, she nonetheless managed to placed on an unimaginable show- one that may proceed to be talked about by followers. She shocked listeners when she mentioned “Okay Chicago, so I believe as we speak’s a superb day to convey out a few of my associates.” In that very second, the group started to scream because the remaining members of her musical undertaking “Shelly” got here on stage. The group carried out their hottest tune, “Steeeam,” a success that Lollapalooza attendees by no means anticipated to listen to reside.
Flowerovlove stole the present, not as soon as, however twice together with her performances on the Bud Mild stage and Toyota Music Den. Her first set at Bud Mild included a lot of colours. backup dancers, and a poster giveaway to finish off the present. Throughout her smaller live performance on the Toyota Music Den, she grabbed followers’ telephones and started recording movies as she sang. Flowerovlove made an effort to attach with listeners on a deeper degree and even introduced two attendees on stage so they may really feel what it was like.
Regardless that they have been a last-minute substitute, that didn’t cease Publish Animal from having a good time. The Chicago-based band is aware of the right way to placed on an amazing present, which was evident from their superb stage presence.
Typically one of the best exhibits are probably the most sudden ones: Joey Valance and Brae have been no exception. The interactive rap duo have been certainly one of my favourite units of the weekend, bringing an unmatched vitality to Lollapalooza. They even lined “365” by Charli XCX, exhibiting followers that they like to have enjoyable. These two aren’t simply your common rappers, they fuse dancing into each side of their music and exhibits. The duo reminded followers “Don’t be afraid to bounce, that’s the primary factor.”
Dominic Fike began his present robust with jams like “Babydoll,” “Westcoast Collective,” and “How A lot Is Weed?” He performed a canopy of “Yellow” by Coldplay together with three unreleased songs. Nonetheless, the most important shock was when Fike introduced out his baby onto stage- a second followers couldn’t get sufficient of.
Nonetheless Woozy at all times stuns the viewers together with his funky and one-of-a-kind dance strikes, simply one of many distinctive qualities he brings onto the stage. His reside performances incorporate his band in contrast to every other group does, as they collaborate to supply a memorable live performance simply as they did at Lollapalooza.
Omar Apollo wasn’t on this yr’s lineup, however that didn’t cease him from making a reside look. Apollo joined LATIN MAFIA on the stage to carry out their tune “Hecho para ti.”
Regardless that A$AP Rocky’s efficiency was minimize off, his set was fairly memorable. Not solely did he debut “lvl” reside, he additionally performed “Demons” for the primary time ever- a second that may go down in historical past.
Lollapalooza was unforgettable this yr, as every day offered its personal flare and surprises.
Followers will proceed to reminisce on this weekend as they watch for subsequent yr’s lineup. After such an amazing assortment of musicians on the 2025 lineup, subsequent yr appears to be fairly promising. Whether or not you have been acquainted with a majority of the artists or simply got here for a superb time, Lollapalooza is the spotlight of the yr for music lovers worldwide.
Hopefully all through this weekend, whether or not you have been in attendance or not, you found new music. In any case, that’s what music festivals are all about: and we’re glad you selected Atwood for all of your Lollapalooza protection!
Keep tuned for our unique on-site interviews with artists from the competition!
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