Lollapalooza is our favorite summer activity and the 2025 edition is already off to an amazing start.
We didn’t get a photo pass this year so we’re going guerrilla this weekend for our coverage, checking out performances like the fans that we are. While I do miss waiting in lines with my fellow live music photographers and snapping those close-up shots, but I can’t complain at the opportunity to see more of these performances without worrying about shooting the next performance. So we took our little point-and-shoot cameras and old film cameras (more developments soon!) to catch the Lolla experience from the crowd.
Check out some highlights below.
Highlights of Lollapalooza 2025 Day 1
Cage The Elephant played a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes”
I can only imagine this was in tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed just a week ago. Many in the crowd didn’t know/wasn’t sure, but once it got to the chorus and people sang along, it was beautiful. I shed some tears, not even going to lie.
– Oscar
Lighting up for “Cigarette Daydreams”
Shout out to these bros that were waiting all set for this moment. They lit up as the intro was going and swayed their arms in the air in between puffs. This is what fest experiences are all about— have your moments that make it special to you.
– Oscar
DON’T TAP THE GLASS is a hit
Tyler fans are something else. I thought I was going to be able to squeeze myself into a better spot than what I found when I got there, but nobody moved. I was several yards away from the stage, and I couldn’t get better confirmation of how much this crowd was aching to see Tyler perform than when he started his set with DTTG tracks “Big Poe” and “Sugar On My Tongue” and damn near everyone surrounding me already knowing every lyric. Another generational talent leaving his stamp on the biggest festival in this part of the country.
– Oscar
Local band The Symposium make their Lolla debut
Chicago local legends The Symposium made their lollapalooza debut, a full circle moment for the band since 2013. Fans danced through the muddy puddles through songs, “blade”, “red river “ and of course, “physical attraction”. The stage lit up the crowd for an early set, it felt like a dream and totally worth the wait for the band.
– Jojo
Girl Tones give a lucky fan the best Lolla moment
Right towards the end of Girl tones set, one lucky fan walked away with an unforgettable piece of music history, one signed guitar. Yes, Girl Tones gently tossed the guitar off the stage and one fan managed to grab it and held it with so much excitement. You never know what kind of memorabilia artists will gift to showcase their love for the fans. This will go down as one of the rarest things you’ll ever see at Lolla.
– Jojo
Local scene shines brighter with RatBoys’ Lolla appearance
Ratboys set was a warm embrace, effortlessly blending heartfelt melodies with hometown pride, Chicago. They paid tribute to their roots with ”Go Outside” song that kicks off with that classic Chicago 1-2 rhythm, serving as a subtle but powerful homage to the city that shaped them. The kind of set that had the right energy to lean back, relax, and soak up the sun.
– Jojo
Cage The Elephant
Glass Beams
Tyler, the Creator
