Lollapalooza 2007

Lollapalooza 2007

What You Missed
Words & Photography by Jackie Butler

As we enter the park grounds for Lollapalooza 2007, it appears that fashion has trumped logic as knee high boots saunter through the 90-degree air. Music lovers come in all kinds and that is definitely clear at Grant Park - Mohawks, pigtails, tattoos, diapers and the occasional stiletto. The diverse line-up Lolla offers is likely one explanation for the eclectic crowd. Nonetheless, everyone appears to be having his/her own version of "best time ever." Lollapalooza 2007

We've said it before, but Lollapalooza is one of the greatest organized festivals we have attended. In a press conference, founder, Perry Ferrell explained that being eco-friendly has proved successful when approached from a laid-back perspective. He noted that you can't shove things down the throats of concert goers, but offering incentives like free gear for recycling your cups keeps it easy-going and has a better outcome. The festival also invested in cups made of corn because they are bio-degradable. The need for beautiful, thriving environments was apparent in order to continue the outdoor, nature loving, festival atmosphere. When asked about making Lollapalooza a political event, Farrell simply explained that it's not a priority. Music is the first priority. The people and atmosphere are the next priority. When you get diverse people sitting next to each other, conversations begin and that is where the politics occur, naturally. Lollapalooza 2007

Now, enough business, lets get on to the music! On day one we checked out Portland's own, Viva Voce, who soothed us with their moody, trance-like, beautiful sound. Next up was Slightly Stoopid, a ska-inspired group who got the audience bouncing from the first note. Ah yes, and they were welcomed through a sweet cloud of Mary Jane. Perry Farrell's band Satellite Party took the AT&T stage late in the afternoon, and to our delight played some Jane's Addiction hits ("Been Caught Stealing," "Jane Says," and "Mountain Song") and some Porno for Pyros ("Pets"). Having been a long time since my last concert featuring Perry Farrell, this was the highlight of my day. Farrell puts on an incredibly energetic show complete with jumps, twirls, and spouting champagne from his mouth. Lollapalooza 2007

Day one headliners were Daft Punk and Ben Harper - located at opposite ends of the park. We tried to attend both and were nearly successful! Daft Punk took the stage as robots in a large pyramid - and remained there for the duration of their set. With the exception of the ever-changing color of the pyramid, things never really peaked at this show. That's not to say it was not enjoyed; the crowd was insanely energetic as the louder-than-life bass pumped through our bodies (I actually felt as if I might be under a spell of some sort whilst my body was violated from the pulsating sound). Lollapalooza 2007

After about 20 minutes, we headed to the Bud Light stage to catch the end of Ben Harper's set. We arrived just in time for Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam to join Ben for "Masters of War," originally done by Bob Dylan. This was a moving performance to witness and something that is permanently branded into my mind; which to me is a greater scar than the hole Daft Punk left in my throat. Ben closed out his set with "Better Way" off his Both Sides of the Gun album, which was released in 2006. Lollapalooza 2007

Canadian rockers Sam Roberts Band, started off day two. They were welcomed to the stage by a crowd waving flags and singing, "O! Canada! ." Clearly the country is proud of the successes this band has had. A lovely mix of classic rock and modern pop kept it real and simple by means of raw talent that needs no fashion statements or elaborate stage decor. Rich strong guitar and catchy drum beats kept the crowd dancing and singing the entire set. Lollapalooza 2007

Possibly one of the most underrated acts was the Cold War Kids, given one of the smallest stages in the park. Their fans were overflowing into the food court, the bar, the port-a-potties, and outward. The intense sound heard on their album is actually even stronger in person. Next year we foresee them in a much more coveted slot on the line-up.

Lollapalooza 2007

Karen O of the band Yeah Yeah Yeahs, is officially my hero. She writes, she screams, she dances, she plays dress-up, and she is a dream to photograph. Seemingly a band that can't stop writing great music, the YYY brought some serious energy to Lollapalooza. With the recent release of the EP Is Is, the crowd was treated to new tunes and old tunes alike. Possibly one of the most addictive, catchy, rocking bands on the line-up, they left me and the audience, wanting more - a lot more!

Lollapalooza 2007

Muse rocked the socks off anyone within earshot of their set. They were precise and loud and overall really compelling to watch. A visually stimulating stage, fog machines, backlighting, strobes, and the crowd was one with the band. While these guys were slotted headliners, I think a seasoned rocker showed them up the following day.

Lollapalooza 2007

Even in the midday heat and humidity, a shirtless Iggy worked the stage like none other. He had the energy of a child amped-up on sugar and the showmanship of the greatest caliber. The most enduring part of an Iggy and the Stooges show is his connection with his fans. Never one to separate himself from those who admire him, Iggy made multiple trips off the stage to sing with the fans, high five, dance, and finally brought several dozen fans onto his stage to share in the moment. In today's music world, there are many 'middle men' working as walls between the artist and the fan. It appears that Iggy has no such walls. He reminded me what it is to be a rock star and the importance of never losing touch with those who helped you attain the stardom. That, and he really knows how to have a good time! Lollapalooza 2007

Amy Winehouse has a beautiful voice that I was worried had been digitally designed, but thankfully, I was wrong. She has a gift and it's beautiful in person. Dressed in a fashionable black and white checked number, she swayed along in the summer heat to a crowd that sang with her. A performer notorious for drinking and canceling appearances, I feel grateful to have seen the real deal. I don't know if she was festival material though; it seems like she would have been better suited to a low-lit bar with a martini or a glass of Valpolicella, while she shared stories about herself. The beauty of her voice seemed lost amongst a half-naked crowd of beer-guzzlers and crowd-surfers. She is the kind of performer that is so intriguing you want to see her in a more intimate setting. Lollapalooza 2007

MOSS had to pass on headliners Pearl Jam. We were not allowed to photograph them, and well, it just seemed like more of a hassle than a treat by that point. I am sure their performance was tremendous. I am a fan of the band and even purchased one of their t-shirts at the festival. But, when they hand-picked from a list of credentialed media who got to cover their show and who did not, it started to feel a tad more like a corporate high school than a music festival. Leaving Grant Park feeling a bit shunned by the cool kids, I reflect on Iggy Pop and realize the importance of not getting caught up in yourself and remembering why we do what we do - hopefully, it's because we love it.

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