Lollapalooza Memories

In only 1 week, Nine Inch Nails, The Killers and Queens of the Stone Age will be taking the stage at Lollapalooza 2013. In preparation for what is sure to be an amazing year, let's take a look at five great moments in Lollapalooza history.

5. Pearl Jam Play To A Massive Crowd

During Pearl Jam's set at Lollapalooza 2007, Eddie Vedder reminisced of riding the train and listening to Patty Smith and Iggy Pop, both of whom also played Lollapalooza that year, somehow making the headlining set feel personal for all who were in attendance. The band played hit after hit, finally ending their set by taking influence from another great Lolla memory by inviting VIPs, including Ben Harper and Dennis Rodman, on stage for an epic rendition of the Neil Young classic “Rockin' in the Free World”

4. Foo Fighters Fight the Rain

Lollapalooza has had it's fair share of weather problems, but the Foo Fighters proved that rain doesn't have to be a night ruiner, in fact it can become a reason to put on the show of a lifetime. It had been lightly drizzling throughout the Foo Fighters 2011 headlining set, but as the band started to play “My Hero” the sky opened up releasing a flood of rain. It was one of those great human moments where everyone was in it together, rising above the elements and creating an unforgettable memory. Dave Grohl said it best as he told the crowd that he had been checking weather.com and thinking that the rain would only hit the Arctic Monkeys, who played before the Foo Fighters, “you think, I'm glad it stopped raining because we have to play now and then it starts fuckin' raining and it feels so fuckin' good that it's the best show you've played in a long time.” 

3. The Iggy Pop Stage Rush

“The Lollapalooza Dancers”, Iggy Pop exclaimed after hundreds of fans rushed the stage during the Stooges performance of “No Fun” at Lollapalooza 2007. This was one of those Lollapalooza moments that fans will be talking about for years to come. Iggy Pop masterfully welcomed fans to join him on stage as he was “lonely”. There was nothing security could do to stop the flood of people and as the song came to a close, Iggy Pop took control of what seemed to be utter chaos, clearing the stage and continuing on with the rest of the set.

2. Daft Punk Bring Their Pyramid to Chicago

Daft Punk's 2007 headlining spot at Lollapalooza was pure joy. Tens of thousands of festival goers were all smiling and dancing under the orchestration of everyone's favorite robots. The night was electric and everyone present knew that they were a part of something special. There is a reason why Daft Punk is on everyone's wish list for every festival lineup. A Daft Punk show is a full sensory experience and one that is not to be missed.

1. 2008 – Wow, What A Year

Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against the Machine, Kanye West, Wilco, The Raconteurs, Gnarls Barkley, The National, The Black Keys, Bloc Party all appeared on the unbeatable Lollapalooza 2008 lineup. On paper, this lineup looks too good to be true and in reality it was the best year in the history of Lollapalooza. Radiohead played an unopposed headlining set that was nothing less than perfection, Nine Inch Nails debuted an interactive light show like no one has every seen before... or since, and Rage Against the Machine actually had to stop their show and ask the crowd to take five steps back because things were getting too intense. This was one of those magical years where it seemed like each set of Lollapalooza was going to be the best set that you've ever seen... and then it would get topped.

Everyone experiences Lollapalooza differently, what are some of your favorite moments?