Lollapalooza may have hosted its fair share of superstars throughout its lengthy lineage, including Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, Eminem and Metallica, but Friday’s sell out starring Bruno Mars ranked right beside those cross-generational blockbusters. Considering he could probably headline a stadium after shattering arena sales records all over the world, it was no surprise Grant Park was filled as far as the eye could see and the full-fledged “24K Magic” Tour with all its production bells and whistles ensured anyone up to a mile away got a significant slice of the experience.

When throngs weren’t streaming out of a nearly as packed Post Malone set to make it over to Bruno Mars, they were congregating around Greta Van Fleet, who are singlehandedly reviving everything that was excellent about the original rock n’ roll era.

Along with a funky band all clad in Chicago Bulls’ jerseys, Mars unloaded a constant hit parade like a classic showman who’s surely studied some James Brown, Michael Jackson, Prince and many R&B crooners from the 1990s. “Finesse,” “Treasure,” “That’s What I Like” and “Marry You” all benefited from his soulful voice, slick dance steps and vibrant personality that spread nothing but cheer, love and self-acceptance.

Mars simmered the mood down to the glow of “When I Was Your Man,” but sped it right back up to “Locked Out Of Heaven” before leading a communal run through of “Just The Way You Are.” There was no possible encore on the table other than the fireworks-enhanced “Uptown Funk” and let’s just say Lollapalooza never grooved like it did during the finale of this landmark show.

When throngs weren’t streaming out of a nearly as packed Post Malone set to make it over to Mars, they were congregating around Greta Van Fleet, who is singlehandedly reviving everything that was excellent about the original rock n’ roll era. Sure, it’s easy to spot similarities to Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC and the like, but Josh Kiszka possesses undeniably killer pipes, while guitarist Jake Kiszka, bassist Sam Kiszka and drummer Danny Wagner have just as serious of musical chops.

Troubadour James Bay keeps gaining momentum with his Americana turned English rock/pop/soul blend, but after his field-filling presentation of “Electric Light” and previous favorites, it’s downright criminal he’s not as popular as Ed Sheeran. Yet make no mistake, this man who’s made the touring rounds alongside Taylor Swift, Hozier and even The Rolling Stones is on a similar trajectory thanks to his relatable songwriting and affable approach to commanding a crowd of this stature.

The afternoon was a blitzkrieg of several pop shades, from the chilled out Lauv to the booty-shaking Lizzo and the hook-saturated Bebe Rexha. Early birds were also rewarded with Ireland’s next major guy-with-a-guitar Dermot Kennedy, who expertly blended folk with a splash of hip-hop, and Iceland’s Icelandic/Brightonian indie rockers Dream Wife, whose charging, punk-inspired chords drove home the marathon’s most empowering, stereotype-shattering messages relating to gender and equality.

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Lollapalooza continues at Grant Park through Aug. 5. For additional details, visit Lollapalooza.com.

For additional information on Bruno Mars, visit BrunoMars.com.