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 12 months’s pageant was overflowing with unforgettable highlights – and we’re breaking down our favourite moments from each single day.
Lollapalooza has been taking place yearly since 1991, and followers proceed to return – for good motive!
The Chicago pageant’s protected initiatives and thrilling lineup lead to a refreshing house for followers to attach with their favourite musicians. With an abundance of particular visitor appearances, unreleased songs, and unwavering vitality, this 12 months’s pageant 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 targeted 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 music.
Maintaining the group engaged is a process 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 enjoying elevator music whereas fixing their devices. Followers took the music “I Wanna Dance With You” fairly actually, as they started to leap and groove to the beat. Earlier than enjoying a fan favourite, “Couch King” they devoted the music to the group saying, “This one’s for you guys. Each single fucking one among 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.
Should you have been on the pageant this weekend, you most likely 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 virtually 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.
Despite the fact that Tyler, The Creator concluded Thursday’s pageant, the evening had simply begun for a lot of concert-goers. Lollapalooza’s aftershows enable for an intimate expertise together with your favourite artists on the pageant’s lineup. Ocean Alley’s aftershow was no completely different, offering listeners with an up-close-and-personal expertise. The six-piece performed an unreleased music known as “Drenched”: “We’ve bought some new music popping out, a brand new report. It’s known as Love Balloon. We’re fucking stoked to have some new music to play for you guys. And on that be aware, we’re gonna play an unreleased observe.” The group additionally carried out a wide range of cherished hits starting from “Confidence” to their very personal rendition of “Child Come Again” by Participant. Thursday’s present was the proper option to put together the band, and their followers for the group’s pageant 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 pageant of unreleased gems, as many acts confirmed all of the methods they’ve up their sleeve. For Dogpark, they revealed two unknown songs to followers. “This subsequent one we’re gonna play will not be out but, we’ve solely performed it two instances. It’s most likely popping out in September, it’s known as September.” The second observe 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 surroundings blended with weak lyrics alongside humorous commentary and fan interactions. Earlier than enjoying their newest single “Black Bear” they joked: “We simply put out a music yesterday about stepping 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 called Joe Keery, began the present together with his music “Runner” which later transitioned into “Gloom.” Because the second music started, a black curtain fell down, solely to disclose an enormous inflatable bean reproduction. Keery introduced this vacationer attraction proper to the group, welcoming them to Chicago. The group was as obsessed with 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 total 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 working round filming his band and the group. Not solely is he an artist and actor, he has now stepped into a brand new position as a cameraman. This set was participating and interactive, because the musician really felt at dwelling throughout his Lollapalooza efficiency. Whereas enjoying 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 music 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 town, however you’ll by no means be capable to take 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 pageant collectively was in 2013, we have been simply having time. Everybody who was enjoying units up right here, it simply appeared like a pipe dream. The primary pageant we ever performed was right here in 2018 on the Tito’s stage at like midday.” The three continued to precise their love for the pageant by declaring that Lollapalooza is, actually, 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 music.
Whereas a majority of the pageant 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 pageant. His pleasure bled into his efficiency as he was energetic as ever. This set was one more reminder that tough work does repay, even when the outcomes take time.
Reside performances are a real testomony to a band’s liveliness, it doesn’t matter what style of music they create. Jazz influenced duo, Wasia Venture, managed to maintain followers engaged as they exuded an upbeat vitality, even throughout their slower songs. Lead singer Olivia Hardy added, “This has really been like a spotlight of our 12 months to date.”
Orion Solar paired her heartfelt lyrics with hand motions and dancing so as to additional convey the feelings behind her music. Earlier than enjoying a fan favourite, “soiled dancer” she requested “Do we have now 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 enjoying. 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 haven’t any thought how a lot it took for us to get right here as we speak” she laughed. “We have been on a aircraft that boarded twice, and deplaned twice. After which we took one other aircraft, and we bought right here one hour earlier than we have been purported to go on stage.” That didn’t cease her although, she nonetheless managed to placed on an unbelievable show- one that can proceed to be talked about by followers. She shocked listeners when she stated “Okay Chicago, so I believe as we speak’s day to carry out a few of my buddies.” In that very second, the group started to scream because the remaining members of her musical venture “Shelly” got here on stage. The group carried out their hottest music, “Steeeam,” a success that Lollapalooza attendees by no means anticipated to listen to reside.
Flowerovlove stole the present, not as soon as, however twice along with her performances on the Bud Gentle stage and Toyota Music Den. Her first set at Bud Gentle included a number 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 might really feel what it was like.
Despite the fact that they have been a last-minute substitute, that didn’t cease Submit Animal from having a good time. The Chicago-based band is aware of tips on how to placed on an incredible present, which was evident from their superb stage presence.
Typically the very best exhibits are essentially the most surprising ones: Joey Valance and Brae have been no exception. The interactive rap duo have been one among 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 bop, 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 not like another group does, as they collaborate to offer a memorable live performance simply as they did at Lollapalooza.
Omar Apollo wasn’t on this 12 months’s lineup, however that didn’t cease him from making a reside look. Apollo joined LATIN MAFIA on the stage to carry out their music “Hecho para ti.”
Despite the fact that A$AP Rocky’s efficiency was lower 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 can go down in historical past.
Lollapalooza was unforgettable this 12 months, as every day offered its personal flare and surprises.
Followers will proceed to reminisce on this weekend as they look forward to subsequent 12 months’s lineup. After such an incredible assortment of musicians on the 2025 lineup, subsequent 12 months appears to be fairly promising. Whether or not you have been accustomed to a majority of the artists or simply got here for time, Lollapalooza is the spotlight of the 12 months 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 pageant!
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