RADIOHEAD, NIN RAGE TO SOLD OUT WEEKEND AT LOLLAPALOOZA

Perry Farrell talks about what goes into forming perhaps Lollapalooza’s most successful lineup Chicago has ever seen

Chicago has always been considered one of America’s most musically inspirational cities and ever since Parry Farrell transformed Lollapalooza from a traveling festival into a destination festival, the Windy City continues to build on previous success and look ahead to the future. In 2008, Lollapalooza enjoyed unparalleled success reaching capacity of 75,000 fans for each day in Grant Park right on the banks of Lake Michigan. With a lineup that consisted of Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails, Kanye West, The Raconteurs, Gnarls Barkley and Wilco to name just a few, it is clear Lollapalooza has become ingrained in the fabric of Chicago.

We caught up with Perry Farrell who has been at the forefront of organizing Lollapalooza since it’s inception, to get his thoughts on what goes into choosing the lineup for Lollapalooza and why they lean on live performers.

“It’s definitely not who is most popular. One thing we do lean on though I will tell you, we lean on live performers. Out in Austin, which is known as the live musical capital of the country we get to see a lot of great talent and we have William Morris working through there and my friends and my iPods and everybody’s iPods. So it’s a collaborative effort. There you go.”

Perry also discussed Lollapalooza being a collaborative effort, from the organization of bands to donating to Chicago’s city parks.

“Well it’s definitely not all on my shoulders. The good news is I work with two amazing talent finders, William Morris and Charles Atell’s organization. Between the two of them and my two cents we don’t miss anything. I will tell you right now…” “Perry it’s more than two cents, you put a whole dollar in.” “OK I put a whole dollar in.”

Also on hand for Lollapalooza 2008 was Cat Power, Lupe Fiasco, MGMT, Bloc Party, John Butler, G Love, Mason Jennings, Mark Ronson, Love and Rockets, Duffy, Blues Traveler, DJ Mom Jeans and K’NAAN to name just a few. As Perry Farrell and Lollapalooza organizers look to build on another tremendously successful weekend in Chicago, one can’t help but to wonder how they will out due 2008’s version. Already rumors are circulating that Perry Farrell might look to bring a Janes Addiction reunion to the stages of Lollapalooza for 2009.