Lollapalooza, which turns 25 this year, announced its lineup at 6 AM, and the marquee name is a doozy: Radiohead. Booking the UK alternative-rock titans is clutch, especially considering how unexciting the other three big headliners are: Red Hot Chili Peppers, who haven’t released new music since before their previous Lolla headlining set in 2012; LCD Soundsystem, who are playing so many other festivals in the U.S. that a Lolla appearance was practically a given; and J. Cole, who I haven’t forgiven for his juvenile contribution to Jeremih’s otherwise fantastic “Planez.” Each of these stars commands a massive fan base, sure, but given that they’re crammed onto a bill with 169 other acts, I’m left wondering if I’m missing the big special thing Lolla is doing to celebrate a quarter century of alt-rock branding. This year’s festival provides more—one more day in Grant Park, from July 28 through 31, and more bands—but the bill feels predictable, making a list of remarkable talents seem like an unremarkable glut.
Friday, July 29RadioheadFutureMajor LazerM83 Martin Garrix Miike Snow GrizFoalsGhostMac Miller CherubFrightened RabbitA$AP Ferg Duke DumontAlessia Cara Mo Lettuce Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls The Struts Wolf Alice Saint Motel Bro Safari Rufus Du Sol AudienModern Baseball Skepta Lewis Del Mar Boombox Cartel Kiiara Hayden James Day Wave Party Favor Pvris Haelos Con Brio IlleniumSabaSunflower Bean Jahkoy Race Banyon Muddy Magnolias Polly A. Horse Thief
