A Brief History of Lollapalooza: From its Humble Beginnings to Becoming One of the Largest Music Festivals in the World

Lollapalooza, one of the largest and most iconic music festivals in the world, has a rich history that spans over three decades. The festival was first conceived and created in 1991 by Perry Farrell, the singer of Jane's Addiction, as a farewell tour for his band. Little did he know that it would become an annual event that would attract hundreds of thousands of music lovers every year.

The name 'Lollapalooza' has its roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when it was used to describe something or someone that is extraordinary, unusual, or exceptional. The term gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s as a phrase to describe a large lollipop.

In 1991, Lollapalooza started as a touring event, traveling across North America with a diverse collection of bands. It was a commercial success and continued to run annually until 1997. The festival then went on hiatus for several years before being revived in 2003 by Perry Farrell and the William Morris Agency.

In 2005, Lollapalooza partnered with Austin-based company Capital Sports Entertainment (now C3 Presents) and retooled the event into its current format as an annual festival in Chicago. The organizers decided to expand the dates to two days per city, but poor ticket sales forced the 2004 tour to be canceled.

Fast forward to 2011 when Geo Events confirmed the Brazilian version of the event, which was held at the Jockey Club in São Paulo. In 2010, it was announced that Lollapalooza would remain in Chicago while also debuting outside the United States with a branch of the festival staged in Santiago, Chile.

In 2014, Live Nation Entertainment bought a controlling interest in C3 Presents, cementing the company's position as one of the leading players in the music festival industry. The same year, the first European Lollapalooza was announced and held at the former Berlin Tempelhof Airport.

Today, Lollapalooza is an annual four-day music festival held in Grant Park in Chicago, attracting over 400,000 people each July. It features a diverse range of music genres including alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock, hip hop, and electronic dance music. The festival also includes visual arts, nonprofit organizations, and political organizations.

In 2020, Spin rated the first Lollapalooza as one of the best concerts on a list of 'The 35 Greatest Concerts of the Last 35 Years'. It has become one of the longest-running festivals in the United States and is widely regarded as one of the most iconic music events in the world.

In conclusion, Lollapalooza's journey from its humble beginnings to becoming one of the largest music festivals in the world is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and passion. With its rich history, diverse lineup, and electric atmosphere, it's no wonder why Lollapalooza continues to attract hundreds of thousands of fans every year.

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2016 lollapalooza daily schedule