Lollapalooza 2012: Recap!

It has definitely been a weekend to remember for those who entered Chicago's Grant Park to check out the Perry Farrell's Lollapalooza. Between raging hot temperatures, a severe storm, and the storm's chaotic aftermath; concertgoers were able to enjoy some of their favorite musicians across eight different stages. For those of you that couldn't make it to the sold out three-day festival, here's a quick recap to fill you in!

Friday: 

Great: Zedd, Dry the River, and Metric.

Awesome:  

Passion Pit - This American electro-pop quartet hailing from Massachusetts got the night rolling with hits off their first album Manner's such as "Sleepyhead" and their most current work, "Gossamer".

The Shins - I'm not sure it's possible for a band such as The Shin's to fall short.  The band opened with 'Caring is Creepy' and a live sound that matched (incredibly, if I do say so) to their studio sound.

Nero - The DJ-ing duo from England lit up the Perry stage with hits from their debut album, Welcome to Reality. Vocalist Alana Watson made an appearence singing hits like "Promises" and "Crush On You". Bass so strong you could hear it from outside the festival.

Best:

Bassnectar - Although Lorin Ashton known as Bassnectar had some stiff competition, sharing a time slot with both The Black Keys and Black Sabbath, he was definitely able to handle himself.  Fan's were in major rage mode, kicking up dust from the baseball field located in front of the Perry stage.  Ashton even managed to slip in his infamous remix of Ellie Goulding's 2010 hit, 'Lights'.

The Black Keys: The bluesy duo couldn't complain about being 'Lonley Boys' Friday night, as fans gathered around the Red Bull Soundstage to hear the two Ohio musician's sing their best songs.  They even concluded the set with a fireworks display.  Talk about big show.

Black Sabbath: No, he didn't bite any bats heads off, and surprisingly for an old bat himself, he can still sing!  He may not be able to speak well, but that crazy train is doing okay for himself.  I guess rock n' roll isn't dead!

Favorite:

Die Antwoord - I know what you're thinking...I'm friggen' crazy, right?  How can I say my favorite of the night was Die Antwoord with acts like Black Sabbath and The Black Keys.  This vulgar, South African trio was a treat of all sorts.  Before Lollapalooza, I was indifferent to Die Antwoord, during Lolla I was converted by Die Antwoord and after Lolla I am OBSESSED with Die Antwoord.  Kind of like a hybrid of Insane Clown Posse and Mindless Self Indulgence, I was absolutely BLOWN away by Die Antwoord's energy and singer/rapper Yo-landi Vi$$er's mouse-like range and Lizbeth Salander look.  The energy they put forth was unreal, heavy, and overall bonkers and that's why I pick Die Antwoord as my Friday favorite!

Saturday: 

Saturday, also Lollapalooza's most insane day as severe and inclement weather forced Lollapalooza to shut down for over 3 hours.  The festival had to be evacuated for the safety of both patron's and park. However, despite the delay the festival organizer's were more than amazing and had the show back on by 6pm. Unfortunately some acts such as Alabama Shakes were cancelled. Another problem arose as grounds became tarnished by the rain and drunk kids decided it be fun to slosh mud at each other and pretend they were Babe playing in the pig pen.

Great: Delta Spirit and Aloe Blacc.

Awesome: 

The Weeknd: 22-year-old Canadian R&B singer Abel Tesfaye, known as The Weeknd reopened the festival with his beautifully smooth and sweet vocals and with his single, 'High For This'.  However, my only criticism comes with the sound. Now I'm not sure if the speakers were waterlogged or if the bass was just too high because at times the backing sounds seemed to overshadow/power Abel's vocals.

Best:

Calvin Harris: Oh yes, the Scottish DJ brought it!  Harris, played all the hits that have made him a shining superstar throughout the world.  Listener's jumped and screamed during his production/remix of 'We Found Love,' as well as his hit's "Feel So Close" and "Bounce".

Favorite: 

Frank Ocean: Frank may arguably have been the best performer at Lollapalooza this year.  Anticipation surrounding Mr. Ocean's performance is especially high after coming out as bi-sexual this 4th of July and after admitting "Bad Religion" a track off his new album, Channel Orange concern's his first love, that is, a man.  Ocean wore his signature red headband and crooned through tracks such as "Novacane," "Swim Good," "American Wedding,""'Thinking About You," and so many more.  His voice has the ability to melt a person, even with the hardest exterior.

Sunday:

Great: Trampled by Turtles, The Gaslight Anthem, Of Monsters and Men, and Yuna.

Awesome:

Bombay Bicycle Club: Traveling from all the way across the pond, Bombay Bicycle Club got the day started with their catchy London tunes and had the whole crowd shuffling with their hit single titled, none other than "Shuffle".

Miike Snow:  Playing hits like "Silvia" and "Animal," Miike Snow played with impressive sonic quality.  I was surprised that Andrew Wyatt could actually sing the chorus of 'Silvia' like that...I for sure thought he'd need some trippy machine or auto-tune!

Best:

Jack White: The former White Stripes singer sure did close Lollapalooza 2012 with a BANG.  After playing hits like "Freedom at 21" off his latest (solo) project, Blunderbuss, White took a trip down memory lane and ended his set with 'Seven Nation Army'.  The final retrospective left such an impression that the thousands of fans leaving Lollapalooza chanted the hook throughout the streets for a good forty minutes after it had ended.  The streets were ringing with White's first hit!

Favorite:

Florence + the Machine: Oh Flo, your voice can probably be heard in space. We should check that Mars rover! With an incredibly high octave range and the uncanny energy/grace of a ballerina, Florence Welch definitely brings it.  The 25-year-old British singer is someone you can't miss.  Apart from singing hits the "Dog Days Are Over," "No Light, No Light," and "Shake it Out," Florence jumps and glides across stage in her flowy dress.  The band also performed "Breath of Life," the track they made for The Snow White and The Huntsman soundtrack.

Were you at Lollapalooza 2012!?  Who did you check out and which artists were your favorites?