The Lollapalooza guessing game By Joshua Klein
Published March 31, 2005
Considering Lollapalooza's erratic track record and Chicago's general aversion to giant outdoor rock festivals, nothing is certain until the bands actually start playing.
A one-off event is even easier to cancel than an entire tour. But should a Grant Park Lollapalooza actually transpire, the possibility of snagging some choice acts is tantalizing. Free from a summerlong commitment, any number of high-profile bands would likely sign up. The question, then, is who would play.
So far the promoters aren't talking, but it's worth taking a guess who might appear.
Local luminaries with national draws like Wilco, Billy Corgan or even Kanye West--the latter two will have new albums to shill by summer--seem like obvious contenders, as is Coldplay or even Bjork.
Modest Mouse and the Flaming Lips, intended for last summer's aborted Lollapalooza tour, could try again, as could rising indie sensations such as the Shins, Arcade Fire, Postal Service or Bright Eyes.
It's hard to imagine Chicago approving a day of ultra-aggressive music--sorry, Nine Inch Nails--but Radiohead's 2001 Grant Park performance proved that rock fans could be every bit as responsible as the crowds that came in for recent Grant rock concerts by Shania Twain and Sting.
Weezer would fit right in as a safe, fun but hardly raucous choice, as would Sleater-Kinney, Gorillaz or Foo Fighters. Saint Etienne would be a smart choice for the sacrificial cult British act given an early daylight slot.
And while we're at it, why not bring Radiohead back for a repeat performance?
Their summer 2001 Grant Park show was one of the most memorable events the city's ever hosted, and it went off without a hitch. They'll still be busy working on a new album by then, but the band has shown itself willing in the past to play a one-off festival or two to test out works in progress.
Or maybe bring back the Pixies. The alt-rock vets sold out five Aragon nights last winter. That's 20,000 people. What's another night or two?--joshua klein is a redeye special contributor.
