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Lollapalooza 2022

It’s that time again to break out the cool shades and hacky sacks. Lollapalooza 2022 is just around the corner! Per usual, the super music fest will take place in Chicago (as it has for more than 30 years) -- from Thursday, July 28 through Sunday, July 31 -- and feature a stellar lineup ready to bare their musical souls on 8 stages over the vast, lavish playground of Grant Park. Over 170 of the hottest acts will gear up for yet another round of wildly fun shows against the breathtaking backdrop of Chicago’s skyline.

A Bit of History

According to festicket.com, Lollapalooza was conceived by Jane's Addiction front-man Perry Farrell in 1991. Since its somewhat humble beginnings, Lollapalooza has grown into a globally known industry showcase which now hosts festivals across Europe and South America alongside its flagship festival in Chicago. Some of the world’s most popular bands and musicians have graced the stages of Lollapalooza.

As for where the term “Lollapalooza” comes from, Perry claims that he chose it because it’s an archaic word meaning “extraordinarily impressive.” It stuck with him after hearing it used “in a Three Stooges movie.”

The festival has come a long way since its initial days in Chandler, Arizona. The inaugural event in 1991 featured Siouxsie and the Banshees, Living Colour, Nine Inch Nails, Ice-T, Butthole Surfers, and everyone’s favorite screaming sage, Henry Rollins. Those in attendance that year probably remember the weather more than the show itself -- seeing as though temperatures reached as high as triple digits!

Previous headliners have included the likes of Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Rey, and Megan Thee Stallion to name a few. As for this year’s roster of artists, and some rampant rumors about possible surprises, you may be wondering: Is Ariana Grande performing? What about Post Malone? Sorry to say that neither has officially confirmed for 2022 leaving us to speculate they’re probably going to sit this one out.

Who's Performing at Lollapalooza 2022?

Now that we know who’s not in, let’s discuss who is. And if you’re asking yourself: when does the Lollapalooza schedule come out, make a note, it already has -- officially on March 22, 2022. This year’s 4-day event promises to piggyback on the successes of previous shows over the years, excluding 2020 when Lollapalooza was cancelled for fear of spreading Covid-19.

Now, with life slowly opening up again to something somewhat resembling “normal,” here’s a comprehensive list of Lollapalooza’s cool, iconic headliners for 2022:

  • Metallica
  • Dua Lipa
  • J. Cole
  • Green Day
  • Doja Cat
  • Machine Gun Kelly
  • Lil Baby
  • Kygo
  • And special guest: Jane's Addiction

Buying Tickets

Okay. You’ve made the big decision. Let’s do this thing. Now comes the process of physically getting onto the park grounds – which means (unless you’re invisible) getting an entry pass, aka ticket.

Curious if Lollapalooza sells single day tickets? The answer is of course. Add to that, if you’re wondering when do Lollapalooza tickets go on sale, good news: they already are. Tickets were officially made available to the public on April 27, and just as in previous years there are several price ranges for ticket-purchasing.

A good rule of thumb when weighing General Admission versus the higher tier VIP (and beyond): the more you pay the more you get, which shouldn’t come as a shock. All ticket-buyers, however, earn the following basic access:

  • Over 170 performances on 8 stages from 11am to 10pm
  • Food for purchase from over 25 award-winning chefs & restaurants including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free grub
  • Shops with official band and festival merch
  • Sponsored areas with giveaways
  • Bar, concessions, and specialty cocktail lounges
  • Free Water stations
  • Secure lockers with charging capabilities for rent
  • Children 10 and under allowed in free with access to Kidzapolooza

Single-Day Tickets

1-Day General Admission: Flat rate $125 1-Day General Admission Plus aka GA+: Starting at $225 1-Day VIP: Starting at $500 1-Day Platinum: Starting at $2000

General Admission Ticket Bundles

2-Day General Admission Ticket Bundle: $220 3-Day General Admission Ticket Bundle: $330

4-Day Ticket Packages

Layaway Plans Available Starting At $19 Down

4-Day General Admission: Starting at $350 4-Day GA+: Starting at $700 4-Day VIP: Starting at $1600 4-Day Platinum: Starting at $4200

Does Lollapalooza Sell Out?

According to theanswersweb.com, last year it took a mere eight days for the fest to sell out its 80,000 4-day passes (daily capacity is 100,000). To put that in perspective with other years – weekend passes sold out in less than 2 ½ hours in 2017, and within an hour in 2016. In 2014 and 2015, Lollapalooza sold all its weekend passes before the lineups were even announced.

Back in 2013, 1-Day passes sold out in 90 minutes, while 3-Day passes sold out – similar to 2015 – before lineup news hit the content writers’ daily agenda for lollapalooza.com.

The fact is, each year, Lollapalooza sells out of all 4-day GA passes and their 1-Day passes in only a matter of hours. That’s how universally admired the event has become. In other words, if you want Lollapalooza tickets, keep two words top of mind: Act. Fast.

How to Save Money at Lollapalooza

Once you’re officially a lucky ticketholder, harkening back images to the snobby, infantile chocoholics who gobbled up Willy Wonka’s dreamy golden tickets, it’s time to start thinking about finances. Yes, it’s very much a musical celebration of youth – but there has to be a whisper of adulthood – or else. Lollapalooza, if mishandled money-wise, can cause an unpleasant bank fiasco come Monday. To avoid catastrophic cash chaos, consider these tips:

  • Don't Go for the Whole Time.
  • Buy Resale Passes at the Last Minute.
  • Skip the VIP Treatment.
  • Coordinate With Local Lolla-Goers.
  • Fly a Discount Airline.
  • Avoid Scalpers.
  • Avoid Downtown Hotels.
  • Stay With a Friend or Acquaintance.

Preparing for the Party

One of the key missions of Lollapalooza’s organizers is to make sure attendees are good and prepared long before entering the gates. FAQs such as what to wear to Lollapalooza, what to bring, where to sleep, and other important queries are vital to the success of a memorably happy concert experience.

What to Bring to Lollapalooza

For starters, keep that college trunk in the closet where it belongs. Sure, that’s an exaggeration of epic proportions – but with weed now legal, you never know. Because this is Chicago, rain and wind are unavoidable hurdles.

In fact, Lollapalooza legend has it nearly every year, it seems, the festival ends in a nasty storm. We’re talking torrential downpour, replete with mass evacuations to the soaking exits. It can be an ugly, muddy mess trying to slip out with 100,000 of your new, musically-minded friends – which means long lines to get to that rented locker.

Oh, those freakin’ lockers. Forget about it. Unless you’re initiating a dough-for-diamond swap with the local mafia, stay clear from the extra fees of Locker Central.

Seriously, pack light; super light. Bring only the necessities. Here’s a succinct, proven list that seems to work pretty well:

  • A phone. To find your lost friends. To send sick Jpegs to Grandma.
  • Phone charger. Anker brand charges up to 4 hours.
  • Small towel. You are going to sweat. A lot.
  • Driver’s license (no need for your entire wallet). Make sure you can I.D. yourself.
  • Cash. Pack it as wisely as you spend it.
  • Lipstick/Chapstick. A common unisex problem.
  • Facial tissues. For sanitary sneezing.
  • Sunscreen. Don’t be shy. Zinc it good.
  • Sunglasses. Killer fashion + cornea protection.
  • A reusable water bottle. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Oh. One more thing. What was it? Oh, yes. Hydrate.

What to Wear to Lollapalooza

  • No Heels, ladies. Really?
  • And no big purses. There’ll be plenty of time for shopping next week.
  • No flip flops. Firmly soled shoes only. Expect considerable walking/hiking.
  • A light sweater. Chicago weather is so laughably unpredictable.
  • A Poncho. Light and portable as possible.
  • Hat strategy. Baseball hats, good. Enormously brimmed hats, bad. Remember: Wear it. Or carry it. All. Day. Long.

Is Lollapalooza Safe?

These days when you’re combining the terms “public event” and “safety,” our minds go directly to the protocols for Covid-19. Rest assured, the brains behind Lollapalooza 2022 are taking it very seriously. Pulled directly from the support page of the Lollapalooza site, here they specifically tell us what we can expect with regards to mass safety:

COVID-19 Warning

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By attending Lollapalooza, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

Going one step further, according to Time Out Chicago, Lollapalooza, the city's largest music festival, has officially returned to Chicago at full capacity, and this time with an updated entry process and a host of new COVID-19 safety rules. Attendees are now required to enter through a three-point system: First, a "health screening" tent, where security checks for proof of vaccine or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours; second, a wristband scanner; and third, a metal detector and bag search station.

With the above precautions being such a huge part of the festival, if you want to know; Is Lollapalooza safe? The answer seems to overwhelmingly point to yes.

How Much Money Does Lollapalooza Make?

According to Crain’s Chicago Business report (who track all things money), Lollapalooza brought in hundreds of millions of dollars for Chicago’s economy, last year alone. The latest figure on the books for the 2021 festival was in excess of $305 million.

For those skeptical that the age of massive outdoor shows grinded to a halt because of the pandemic, you might want to think again. Experts are confident the $305 million-dollar plateau is destined to be raised this year to even more, considering the show(s) in 2019 raked in a little over $248 million.

What Are the Most Memorable Lollapalooza Performances?

Since its conception in 1991, Lollapalooza has survived a slew of controversies, weak ticket sales, last minute stage changes, some pretty rotten performances (believe it or not), and, of course, an awful pandemic. But through it all, rock and roll – as it always has – thrived through the years. Here are some of the most notable shows documented by fans and critics alike!

Jane's Addiction with Ice-T (1991)

The surprise jump-on-stage moment when Ice-T joined JA was historically unforeseen and epic. What a way for the festival to literally kick off. Many call it one of, if not the best rap/rock combination in the annals of Lollapalooza.

Nine Inch Nails (1991)

Another bad-ass jam session from the inaugural season was NIN’s thumping performance. In support of Pretty Hate Machine, which was then already a couple years old, Trent Reznor and pals blew the audience away. When a PA system glitch occurred, Reznor cracked all his gear to the delight of the crowd then headed for the tour bus.

Rage Against the Machine (1993)

Many consider this performance to be RATM’s “coming out party.” Yes, they played Lolla Southern California the year before, but now they were already coming into their prime. They put out a loud, rollicking awesome show that folks are still talking about today.

Metallica (1996)

The headline act for Lollapalooza 2022, Metallica had a lot to prove in ’96. Even though they were the official headliner, they had some fierce competition that year from Soundgarden and the Ramones. Metallica did not disappoint, making tons of fresh fans while continuing the love affair with their loyal existing ones. To no one’s surprise, they rocked the house with gusto.

Arcade Fire (2005)

In 2005, Lollapalooza began its long tenure at Chicago's Grant Park. Arcade could’ve easily fallen under the rock radar as the lineup also featured Weezer, The Killers, and Pixies who decidedly brought more faces to the party. But Arcade Fire crushed it that night! After heading for the exits, many called it the highlight of that year’s festival.

Lady Gaga (2007)

Back in 2007, the flashy, up-and-coming, Madonna-esque performer wasn’t yet a household name. Going with a sort of burlesque-style show, you couldn’t take your eyes off Gaga. From there, the rest is history for this often-underappreciated superstar.

Radiohead (2008)

Few bands are/were better live than Radiohead. During their ’08 set, smack in the middle of their track, “Fake Plastic Trees,” a super amazing firework show lit up the sky! The visual delight of music and a blasting color show in the sky earned Radiohead “the talk of the festival” honors that year.

Florence & The Machine (2012)

With their 100% unique music, F&TM were fantastic that year. The powerful voice of Florence Welch and her crew blasted through Lolla speakers to the wonder of the crowd. What made the gig even more noteworthy was that Florence had to cancel several shows leading up to Lollapalooza due to nagging throat issues. Thankfully, she and her voice rallied for a totally impressive outing.

Chance the Rapper (2013)

Since he hails from the Windy City, it only makes sense to taut this hip hop artist who was spectacular in 2013. Supporting the release of his “Acid Rap” mix tape, Chance was known that summer for packing a smaller stage with a massive crowd. It was more than enough for Chance to shout to the audience, “This is the best moment of my life!”

Paul McCartney (2015)

You’re never too old to rock and roll. The ageless wonder that is Sir Paul brought a rainbow of ages together for his performance that year. The show-defining moment was when Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard jumped on stage with the former Beatle to belt out an amazing version of “Get Back.”

LCD Soundsystem (2016)

LCD usually gets mentioned in the same breath of (that year’s headliner) Daft Punk. To be honest, it’s not a bad breath to be in. The year belonged to James Murphy and his LCD Soundsystem. Labeled as a great live act for a decade-plus, LCD threw down one of the most memorable and beloved sets of that year’s event.

Summary

The thought of Lollapalooza brings big smiles and utter anticipation for all who wait year’round for it. You’re destined for a great time, full of memories with majestic music and wonderful friends to share it with. But there is a bit of due diligence involved to make it run smoothly.

You need to consider which ticket you want (one day or multi-day), what to bring and wear, and most importantly, doing all within your smarts to stay safe. Nailing all the above will assure you a fantastic time – as you begin to set your sights on Lollapalooza 2023.

Lollapalooza 2022 | turntablelive.com

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