Lollapalooza 2010: Day 1 in review
Video by Kevin Pang
It was supposed to be Lady Gaga’s night, and there was no doubt that a majority of fans Friday at Lollapalooza were there to see her. But Gaga hasn’t got anything on Mavis Staples, who threw down in her set with an urgency and passion that belied her 71 years. She was accompanied on a couple of songs by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, but even Tweedy stood humbly in the soul queen’s shadow, the force of her performance demanding everyone’s attention.
Lollapalooza is open for business in Grant Park for the weekend, and we were there to cover it all -- “we” being my colleagues Bob Gendron (BG), Andy Downing (AD) and yours truly, Greg Kot (GK). Kevin Pang was everywhere with his camera and edited our series of video reports. Here’s how it went down Friday at the biggest ever Lollapalooza, with eight stages spread out across 115 acres in Grant Park (up from the usual 80).
11:13 a.m.
Fans patiently stand in line until the gates open, clear security, then sprint toward the main stage in hi-heels, fishnets and “Lady Gay Gay” T-shirts to position themselves as close as possible for Lady Gaga’s headlining performance nearly nine hours later. Hope they packed sunscreen. (GK)
11:20 a.m.
This must be dress-up day at the festival, as Lady Gaga wanna-be’s in blond wigs or monster suits (I see at least one “lion” with a tail) compete with Devo fans wearing the band’s trademark “energy domes” (blue flowerpot hats). (GK)
11:25 a.m.
These United States frontman Jesse Elliott reports on a "dire situation." The beer truck that is responsible for getting artists their beverages is apparently delayed in traffic. However, a concertgoer offers up his brew to the thirsty singer, and moments after, the day is saved when a tray of 16-ounce cans arrive onstage. The Kentucky quintet, the first band to play at this year's festival, earns its liquid rewards. Steeped in crunchy guitar tones and twangy accents, the band's loping roots rock references good-time Southern heritage. "The Great Rivers" slips and slides, a veritable invitation to go skinny dipping on a sunny day. With a handkerchief hanging out of his back pocket, Elliott hops around on the equally tuneful "The Important Thing," and pedal-steel guitar lines inspire spontaneous fits of dancing during the Bakersfield-flavored "Honor Amongst Thieves." A fine way to begin the day even if the crowds are still sparse. (BG)