LIVE REVIEW: INNERVIEW DOES LOLLAPALOOZA, DAY ONE

The scene was set, the weekend forecast was clear, and just like that Lollapalooza 2019 was underway. One question before we begin: Do you like noise metal, distortion, and even The Crow? Then Florida’s Ghostemane would have blown you away with his early Thursday rap-rock set, complete with live tattooing on stage. R&B singer H.E.R. covered all her “basses” and casually moved from guitar to vocals to piano during her soulful afternoon set, even covering Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor” to help the entire audience get in their feels. Queer pop icon Hayley Kiyoko dominated her first Lolla gig and turned up the choreography for an energetic set featuring crowd favorites like “Palm Dreams” and “Curious.” Meanwhile, Australia’s Rufus Du Sol was getting set up across the park with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot introducing the band onto the stage. The notion was met with audibly mixed reviews and a touch of confusion, yet the show went off seamlessly with the sunlit skyline beautifully framing the performance. Over at the T-Mobile Stage, Hozier turned the adjoining field into a sing-along, filling the air with shouts of “amen!” during his breakout hit “Take Me To Church.” Sandwiched between two of the largest headliners of the weekend, Atlanta’s Lil Baby held it down at the American Eagle Stage before a mass of eager listeners. The Strokes were easily the most anticipated and nostalgic act of the night, with longtime listeners hoping to finally get a glimpse of the legendary band IRL. Julian Casablancas and the gang did not disappoint, keeping the crowd engaged by smashing through their endless catalog of melodic masterpieces including “Last Night” and “Heart In A Cage.” Scheduled simultaneously just through the trees, The Chainsmokers closed out Perry’s with surprise guests like Daya, Isaac Slade of The Fray, and even singer Bebe Rexha, who joined the duo to perform “Call You Mine.” –TEXT: DANIELLA THOMPSON–PHOTO: GREG NOIRE/LOLLAPALOOZA 2019
Next: Lollapalooza Day Two