Oh, Lollapalooza...Perry Farrell's famed festival of festivals has been rocking with a '90s spirit since, well, the '90s. Restarted in 2003 and now a long Chicago weekender instead of a touring fest, this seventh-year event made no cuts in budgets, pomp, or circumstance, with three days billed to the brim with new indie acts and old icons alike. But most of all, this year marked Jane's Addiction's epic return to the stage for the first time since the festival's revival. And knowing Perry Farrell, it would be worth all three days of insane heat.
Although the first day began with a promise of rain, Seattle's Fleet Foxes warmed the wet festival grounds with a folky, forest-y set.
Thievery Corporation had fields of people dancing.
Angus Young---um, I mean Peter Bjorn & John--brought indie quirk with shorts just short enough to make for an idiosyncratic AC/DC effect onstage.
Of Montreal took a rock 'n' roll voyage to Mars when they covered David Bowie's "Moonage Daydream" with special guest Janelle Monae...and balloons!
Of Montral's set also featured a creepy "Agent Orange" Christmas special with presents opened to reveal fumes and gas masks. Kevin Barnes as Prince Charming--with a cape, of course-was as fabulous as ever.
Night fell and Depeche Mode played favorites for two hours, busting out with their best '80s gay-bar jams and alternating with softer, mesmerizing tunes. Whether frontman Dave Gahan was donning a shimmering jacket or showing off his tattoos, everyone felt his endless crooning conviction.
