In years past, Lollapalooza has been dubbed by Spin magazine as “the No. 1 concert to change the world” laying down the blueprint for many other existing festivals. With the Wall Street Journal classifying this year’s tour as “Rock’s premiere summer caravan with shows in 30 U.S. cities,” Lollapalooza undoubtedly continues to be one of the hottest festivals to date, with an overwhelming fan demand prepared to bask in a day of music and festivities. The main stage features Queens of the Stone Age replaced by A Perfect Circle on August 16, Jurassic Five, The Donnas, Incubus, Audioslave and non-other than Jane’s Addiction including Lollapalooza’s ‘founding father’, Perry Farrell.
The tour kicked off on July 5th at the Verizon Wireless Music Center in Indianapolis and has been classified as the most successful festival of the 2003 concert season for that amphitheater. Despite severe weather and show delays, thousands of devoted fans braved the frenzied storm, took shelter and eagerly awaited the many festivities of the day. Not only did the fans show support but also major local, national and international media turned out to witness what they knew would be the most popular festival of the summer. The Wall Street Journal commented, “Lollapalooza is nirvana” and “the bands on the main stage demonstrated why alt-metal is the lifeblood of today’s hard rock, blending elements of early Sabbath, Metallica, the now-passe Seattle grunge movement, the so-called L.A. “hair bands” of the ’80s and other high-volume modes to create a vital, energetic form.” Incubus played everything from “snappy funk” to “roaring rock”. Audioslave appeased the audience with “a brilliant set” and finally the long awaited Jane’s Addiction “blended its sense of showmanship with its intensely energetic brand of hard rock”.
Lollapalooza not only provides an incredible line-up this year on the main stage but also features a second stage that highlights the talents of a variety of performers. Acts include belly dancing by the Bellydance Superstars, “Don’t Try This at Home” featuring Steve-O from MTV’s now-defunct show Jackass and many other up-and-coming artists including Cave In and the Distillers.
Another aspect of the festival that draws fans is the carnival-like atmosphere that offers numerous opportunities for fans to interact with the latest technology. There are several areas to visit, from the World of Just BeCauses, focusing on the many different political and social issues, to GameRiot, a 300 person capacity air-conditioned pavilion featuring Xbox consoles, PC game stations, and the latest unreleased video games. The MindField includes various interactive games that offer fans the opportunity to win prizes such as seat upgrades and back-stage passes. Concertgoers are invited to answer trivia questions, complete ‘missions’ or go on virtual treasure hunts to win. The thrill of the competitions and themed areas, combined with the second stage and main stage music, makes Lollapalooza one of the top festivals this summer – commanding high demand throughout the country!
Lollapalooza 2003 Summer Tour Dates
- July 23rd Holmdel, NJ
- July 25th Boston, MA
- July 27th Philadelphia, PA
- July 30th Wantagh, NY
- Aug. 1st Washington D.C.
- Aug. 5th West Palm Beach, FL
- Aug. 9th San Antonio, TX
- Aug. 10th Houston, TX
- Aug. 12th Albuquerque, NM
- Aug. 15th Phoenix, AZ
- Aug. 16th Los Angeles, CA
- Aug. 19th San Francisco, CA
- Aug. 23rd Seattle, WA
