Lana Del Rey charms Lolla, Red Hot Chili Peppers recall roots and the sugar rush of Rina Sawayama
The final day of a festival is always bittersweet, but in the case Lollapalooza 2023, at least it once again went out with a bang thanks to another varied line-up that continues to attract sell out audiences from all across the globe.
In this instance, a significant reason was an infrequent chance to catch Lana Del Rey, who’s released a whopping three projects since previously visiting Chicago, including “Chemtrails Over The Country Club,” “Blue Banisters” and “Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.”
However, her absence and so much enchanting material in between only made the heart grow fonder as her somewhat under the radar yet extremely dedicated following allowed her to pack the north end of Grant Park where she brought breathtaking vocals, delicate delivery and gorgeous visuals.
Faithful were literally weeping as the distinctive Lana charmed with one stunning selection after the next, such as “Young And Beautiful,” “Pretty When You Cry” and “Born To Die,” a few of the many that made sure her “Summertime Sadness” never sounded sweeter.
Meanwhile, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were rocking out on the opposite side of Buckingham Fountain, also fresh off not only one but two recent albums (“Unlimited Love” and “Return Of The Dream Canteen”), though outside of few samples, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers stuck mostly to smashes.
It translated to everything from “Californication” to “By The Way” and “Give It Away,” all of which found front man Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, guitarist John Frusciante and drummer Chad Smith defying age as they reeled in multiple generations.
“Thank you much for 30-mmmm f***ing years Lollapalooza,” acknowledged Flea, seemingly surprised at how fast the time flew, though these veterans could nonetheless still bring it like back in the day.
Attendees got a vibrant glimpse of the future when Japanese and British singer/actress/model Rina Sawayama put her sugary spin on the glistening pop foundation laid by the likes of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Britney Spears.
Before busting into the supreme banger “This Hell,” she remarked, “I stand by what Bud Light says about queer people,” while cracking one open on their stage with a “cheers babe” and reminding everyone that trans rights are not just for Pride Month.
“The Good Witch” Maisie Peters, who’s signed to Ed Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man Records, made major waves as well throughout her inaugural American festival appearance, coming across like an entire girl pop group rolled into one person, alongside a textbook songwriting style.
“Do you wanna get a drink, like together?,” the English artist rhetorically asked during the delectable “Lost The Breakup,” to which she replied, “I say, ‘I’m kinda busy, I’m at Lolla tonight,’” naturally earning a massive roar from the masses.
Hip-hop heavyweight A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie plowed through an hour dedicated to the “day ones” through today’s “Me Vs. Myself,” in addition to “Don’t Play With It” featuring Lola Brooke, on an elaborate set resembling an actual highway construction zone.
There was no shortage of action on the dance floor either, especially when Gorgon City unfurled a blend of house, UK garage and a multitude of electronics, further enhanced by the surprise of Chicago’s DRAMA for “You’ve Done Enough.”
Although memories of the fantastic finale are sure to linger long after the lights fade, the economic impact on the Windy City will be even more tangibly felt, thus far generating over $2 billion since 2010 with the promise of tons to come as the clock ticks towards Lollapalooza 2024.
For upcoming Lollapalooza announcements, visit Lollapalooza.com.