Lollapalooza 2010 headliners near confirmation: Lady Gaga, Arcade Fire, Strokes, Soundgarden, Green Day
Lady Gaga, who is rumored to be a headliner at Lollapalooza 2010, performs in Rosemont on January 8. (Tribune photo by Chris Sweda)
The Lollapalooza rumor mill has been buzzing for weeks, and five of the six headliners are nearing confirmation for the Aug. 6-8 festival in Grant Park, according to music-industry sources with knowledge of the negotiations: Lady Gaga, a reunited Soundgarden, Green Day, Arcade Fire and the Strokes.
Gaga, Soundgarden and Green Day were named Tuesday by the Daily Swarm, a music Web site that cited “multiple industry sources” in its report.The Tribune has learned from its own sources that negotiations are progressing with Arcade Fire and the Strokes. The Lollapalooza lineup also will include several coveted rising bands, including Yeasayer, the xx, and Dirty Projectors, as well as veteran dance-oriented acts Cut Copy and Hot Chip, sources have confirmed.
A representative for Texas-based Lollapalooza promoters C3 Presents would not comment on any of the reports.
Gaga’s appearance wouldn’t be a big surprise, given that she first played the festival in 2007 as a virtually unknown side-stage act. She is represented by the powerful William Morris agency, whose Marc Geiger partners with C3 in presenting the annual lakefront festival.
Soundgarden’s reunion has been in the works since last year, and was confirmed Jan. 1 when singer Chris Cornell announced that “the 12-year break is over and school is back in session.” The band’s live appearances are complicated by drummer Matt Cameron’s ongoing membership in Pearl Jam; to play Lollapalooza and other tour dates, Cameron needed a “hall pass,” as one industry official called it, from Pearl Jam so he could play with Soundgarden.
Arcade Fire is expected to have a new album out this year, and played a triumphant, sun-baked set at the inaugural Grant Park Lollapalooza in 2005.
The Strokes have not toured since 2006, and singer Julian Casablancas recently released his first solo album. But the band also is working on its fourth studio album, and has already booked a couple of European festival dates.
greg@gregkot.com
Related:
Lady Gaga in Chicago