Sunday

08-03-2025 Vol 2041

Lollapalooza Day Two: Stellar Performances and Vibrant Crowds Light Up Chicago

The second day of Lollapalooza in Downtown Chicago was marked by perfect weather, drawing fans in droves to the city’s biggest music festival.

With ideal conditions prevailing, crowds filled the festival grounds, from the Bud Light stage at the north end to the T-Mobile headlining stage at the south.

Festival fashion featured plastic flowers woven into hair, intricately bunched braids, and an abundance of skin-baring outfits, capturing the spirit of summer festivities.

Local artist Ravyn Lenae captivated the audience at the Lakeshore stage.

Her smooth R&B hits, including “Skin Tight” and “One Wish,” resonated with the crowd, and the talented musician proudly reflected on her journey to the stage.

“I’m just so proud of myself,” she said with laughter, as she received an enthusiastic cheer from her fans.

Rapper T-Pain brought his signature star power to the Bud Light stage, engaging the audience with covers inspired by his 2023 album, “On Top of the Covers.”

His lively set included popular singalongs such as Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” David Allen Coe’s “Tennessee Whiskey,” and Flo Rida’s “Low,” with the joyful audience participating at every turn.

One of the standout moments of the day was the performance by the 17-year-old rapper Star Bandz, who has quickly become a local sensation.

Born Star Ana Flowers, she made waves as one of the youngest headliners at Lollapalooza, having recently been recognized by Complex as one of the ’13 Best Teenage Rappers’ for 2024.

Star Bandz expressed her excitement and gratitude as she took the stage at the BMI venue.

“It feels really good. It feels like an accomplishment,” she shared.

With her breakout hit, “Yeah Yeah,” she captured the attention of the national music scene, transforming what she thought would be a social media hit into mainstream success.

Star Bandz urged the audience to cheer for their sections, fostering an electric atmosphere.

Her set featured an unreleased song, and quickly transitioned to “Bigger, Better, Badder,” prompting a united chorus of fans singing along to the catchy refrain.

The performance included collaborations with fellow Chicago artists Chuckyy and Sugarhill Ddot, creating an interactive experience that left the crowd exhilarated.

Her closing number, “My Baby,” saw both artists dancing onstage as audience members sang along, showcasing the budding talent of Star Bandz.

As she prepares to return to school, Star Bandz is excited about her future, signaling upcoming releases post-festival.

“I feel proud of myself … and I’m very grateful,” she concluded as she left the stage.

Djo, known offstage as Joe Keery from “Stranger Things,” continued the afternoon festivities on the T-Mobile stage.

His local hit “End of Beginning” had the crowd singing along as he showcased his skills on both guitar and piano.

Keery expressed his disbelief at the turnout, stating, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many people in my entire life.”

As a nod to his Chicago roots, he notably included a replica of The Bean on stage, performing to an audience eager for his musical talents.

He enlivened the atmosphere with a Facetime message from co-star Charlie Heaton before performing “Charlie’s Garden,” further enhancing the festival experience for attendees.

Keery was not finished yet; he invited a children’s choir to accompany him during “Back on You,” offering a heartfelt moment that resonated with the enthusiastic crowd.

As the sun set and fans prepared for the evening’s performances, the headliners presented a stark contrast in style.

Pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo took the T-Mobile stage, dazzling the audience in a sparkly outfit and combat boots, exuding an electric energy as she performed hits from her GUTS World Tour.

Fans filled the surrounding streets, singing passionately along to tracks like “Vampire” and “Happier.”

Unbeknownst to many, she surprised her audience by bringing out Weezer, sharing the stage for an impromptu collaboration that had the crowd roaring with enjoyment.

Rodrigo reflected fondly on her first concert experience, having attended a Weezer show, making the collaboration even more special.

On a different note, the Bud Light stage was where metal band Korn unleashed their sound to a noticeably smaller crowd.

Band members, led by Jonathan Davis, acknowledged the significance of their performance, being their first at Lollapalooza since 1997, nearly three decades ago.

Davis showed appreciation for attendees, encouraging them to raise their middle fingers ahead of their song “Y’all Want a Single (F–k That).”

Despite the smaller numbers compared to other acts, Korn’s passion and energy captivated the remaining fans who were devoted to the group’s legacy.

As the day concluded, festival-goers began to disperse, preparing for another vibrant day ahead at Lollapalooza.

With memorable performances, engaging interactions, and a spectrum of musical styles on display, Day Two of Lollapalooza undoubtedly set a high bar for the festival weekend.

image source from:blockclubchicago

Abigail Harper