Lollapalooza 2005 : Day Two Photo Recap

Let me just say, if you don't all ready know, Day Two was hot as anything I can remember in my 28 years of life. It was scorching. I was putting on sunblock like it was my job, I was drinking water up like a sponge. I came out of all it great and went out to party that night. If you were smart, it was a great day. Let me also say that Chris, I guess being from Dallas and all, never broke a sweat! Well, not really, but I sweated through both my shirts before 2pm. It's no real suprise, I'm a big guy, 6'2" 220lbs, so extreme heat and my body are obviously at odds, but that kid was like some sort of desert animal, I mean, unfazed!

OK, so Chicago's own, The Ponys, kicked off Day Two for us, Chris, Dee and I headed over while the other girls geared up for the heat. It was a good set, but overall very disappointing because I was itching to hear 'Get Black' and they never played it. I mean, they're not a big-time band yet and they have this great hit that is getting some airplay and you figure maybe the kids have heard and you don't play it? huh?

The Ponys kicked off Day 2:




MJ and the rest of the ladies joined us for Tegan and Sara. MJ had been geeked up all week to see them. They came out strong, but maybe their Canadian heritage just didn't prepare them for the heat because about 5 songs in, Sara walked off mid-song and then BAAARRRFFFFED!! due to heatstroke. Next thing you know, the cool kids from Communique, who are touring with T&S run onto the stage to help Tegan finish the song. That was pretty cool actually. Poor Sara tried to even come back, but after another song, it was just too much for her. I can't even believe she tried to comeback! Heatstroke is no joke! Anyway, they ended the set after that, but they were great while it lasted. MJ scolded me for taking pictures of Sara getting carted away to the medical tents calling me a lame-o papparazzi! I was just documenting the story for you guys! Geez.

Tegan & Sara:

Sara was all smiles pre-show

Just chillin' before the show

Tegan Close-up

Tegan Close-up

The songs they did play were great though

After Sara went down, Tegan tried to carry on

Sara came back once, but had to stop after one more song

Sara had to be taken away for medical attention

Kasabian was a band I was excited to see. I have their latest album, but was pretty unimpressed after the first few songs. I had heard they were great live and that turned out to be totally true. They rocked my socks off and gave a hardcore performance ending with Club Foot. They had great stage presence and were very interactive with the crowd. They were very gracious. Dee said, "They look all dirty and gross, but at the same time really hot!" That was Kasabian in a nutshell.

Kasabian

These guys rocked it out

Kasabian getting hot and rockin' out




I was also really looking forward to Ben Kweller because both times I've seen him, he's been solo, and this time he had a full backing band. It really added something to his performance and sound. He's hilarious on stage, he just sort of rambles on inbetween songs and asks how everyone is doing throughout. It's almost as if he's just a tad nervous. He played all his hits and was just super throughout.

Ben Kweller

First time seeing him with a full backing band was sweet

The kid is so talented

Didn't get to see much of Blonde Redhead, but Chris and I did see lead singer, Kazu, walking her dog after their set.

Blonde Redhead

Lead singer, Kazu walking her pooch

There were lots of other neat things at Lolla other than the bands, this group of performance artists had a big ol' crazy set up of wacky instruments and put on a neat little show.

Some cool performance artists at 'Polooza:




It was cool to see Perry, he introduced Arcade Fire, who drew by far the biggest crowd of both days.

Perry Ferrell

Perry introduced Arcade Fire

Perry is so freaking cool

As I said, Arcade Fire drew an enormous crowd, I mean at least 75% of the crowd came over to their stage. Poor G-Love had to run opposite of them and I doubt had much of a crowd. I'd like to know if anyone out there saw G-Love and what the crowd was like. I had no idea, because Chris got over to AF waaaay early and we were only like 8 people back from the stage!! I mean, were were right on top of them! They went nuts right from the start, opening with 'Wake Up' and following it right up with Neighborhood #2 (Laika). I was so going nuts, as nuts as you can go when you are packed together like sardines. We were with some kids that were actually friends with some of the members of AF and had backstage artist's friends passes. We talked to them for a while and they were all up on AF's personal lives, it was pretty cool. After the show we saw them again, chilling with a couple AF members, (or Will Butler only, I'm not sure) so we went up and told him what an awesome set it was and just worshipped him a little. He was gracious and cool. Lead singer, Win Butler went way out into the crowd, while singing once too, that was pretty awesome. Younger brother Will, went apeshite and crashed into everything quite a few times on stage, it was amazing. Regine was amazing, they all were. It was the show of the weekend by far.

Arcade Fire

Getting ready before the set








Starts it up with Wake Up

Beatle Bob was one of the best highlights of the weekend. He was dancing on stage at like every show we caught. MJ even talked with him a while. Who's Beatle Bob, you ask? Find out here.
Find out more here.


Beatle Bob's dancing was a highlight all weekend


Beatle Bob was the nicest guy, MJ loved him

Death Cab finished out the night, we were really close to them too, which was great. Chris even ran into them at the airport the next day! He also ran into Butterfly from Digable Planets and called me on the phone while they were hanging out together.

Death Cab For Cutie

Ben Gibbard of DCFC

Ben Gibbard, Longer Exposure

The conversation was pretty funny. Chris was like, "Butterfly wants to talk to you."

Butterfly: "Wuz up man?
Me: Holy shite! You were awesome the other night!"
Butterfly: "Thanks man, I wasn't sure how we'd do being up against Weezer and all"
Me: "Are you kidding me!" You guys kick their ass!"
Butterfly: (laughter) "Thanks man, well I'm 'bout to get up on this plane. Thanks for giving us the love!"
Me: "No problem, have a safe trip"
Butterfly: "Word."

I mean, I'm an idiot. What a silly fan-boy. Still cool though. Well, that about wraps up Lolla. We went out in the Wicker Park area after the show that night and had a great time...we closed it down around 4am and sacked out. Chicago is a great city with so much to do.