As thousands prepare for what is destined to be a scorching hot, energy rousing, and celebratory weekend at this years’ Lollapalooza festival, we compiled this years’ most anticipated performances. Celebrating their 25th anniversary, Lollapalooza has not only added an extra fourth day for the festival, but has stacked their lineup with some of the best and diverse bands and artists of their respected genre. While your most anticipated sets may differ from those listed here, there is still no denying that this year’s Lollapalooza will without a doubt be a special one. Take a look at some of the artists we’re looking forward to the most.
LCD Soundsystem (Sunday)
The electronica dance-punk band is back and ready to add Lollapalooza to the list of just one of the many high profile music festivals that they’ve ventured to for their reunion tour. The band that had formally disbanded from one another in early 2011, confirmed their return in early January when it was announced they’d headline this year’s Coachella Festival, and now have made appearances headlining at Austin City Limits Fest and Bonnaroo, and now Lollapalooza—marking their first shows in almost five years. The reunion of the band is even made more special by the announcement of a fourth LCD Soundsystem album. While the band’s album remains untitled and does not have release date yet, the possibility of new music is just one of the many reasons LCD Soundsystem stands as the most anticipated set at this year’s festival.
Radiohead (Friday)
While the name of the band should say it all, there are still a hundred reasons why the extraordinary English rock band will draw some of the biggest crowds the festival will see this weekend. The band which made its debut in the mid-eighties, and quickly rose to fame in the early 90’s when their debut single ‘Creep’ become a worldwide hit. The band’s presence at Lollapalooza isn’t just nostalgic throwback for many of the festival goers this year, it’s a chance to see a band that with each wrapping decade, has taken their band and each album to new heights by experimenting and dabbling their alternative rock with electronic music. The instantly recognizable band name doesn’t just come with reason due to their iconic songs, but also their lively memorable performances.
Saba (Friday)
To take a step back from some of the headliners of this year, one of the best aspects of Lollapalooza is the fact that it’s one of rare moments where artists can shine on their own for the first time. For this weekend, I don’t think it’ll be much of a surprise for Saba to prove his worth on stage Friday. Most notably known for his verse on Chance the Rapper’s ‘Angels’, to hear Saba’s voice against the backdrop of Chicago’s skyline one more time will be quite the warm welcome to start off the day on Friday.
Towkio (Thursday)
Another notable collaborator with Chance the Rapper, Towkio lit up the crowd last year at his surprising appearance at Pitchfork before Vic Mensa took over. The Chicago rapper has no issues getting even the least energetic crowd to dance along to his jazz-like catchy beats and rhythm. The unpredictability and weirdness of his music not only has its funny moments, but it’s undeniably fun. If there’s a place to dance on Thursday, it’s at Towkio’s set.
Leon Bridges (Friday)
The epitome of smooth cool, the soul singer who seemed to be born in the wrong decade—Leon Bridges has quickly become known for his 50-60’s blues style music. This set may be the most personal choice of mine on the list, but there’s no denying his essence of rhythm through his voice and guitar, even channeling that of Otis Redding. His performance this week will not only have the crowd swaying and dancing with one another, but it’ll stand out due to its unique and pure blues sound for a modern music scene where that’s rare.