Photos: Lorde, John Summit headline Lollapalooza Day 1
Lollapalooza has officially begun in Grant Park. This year’s lineup is dominated by women artists; of the eight headliners this year, five are women. The first of this year’s women headliners, Lorde, takes to the stage Thursday.
Also headlining Thursday is Naperville’s own John Summit, who rose to global DJ stardom in the past few years after he would moonlight as a DJ while working as an accountant.
Other artists performing Thursday include singer Sombr, SB19 — the first Filipino boy band to play the fest — and local band The Braymores.
The Braymores perform on the BMI stage on Thursday, the first day of Lollapalooza at Grant Park. The band hails from Barrington. “Close enough, it’s the same thing, right?” singer Matt Tilles bravely posited to the crowd, surprisingly to little dissent.
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The Braymores perform a set on the BMI stage that swirled with ‘90s Wicker Park rock edge. The hazy surf rock brought Twins Peak vibes and a pride that can only come from playing the biggest music event in your backyard.
Manuel Martinez/WBEZ
The music started promptly at noon with Kim Theory, a California teenage rock band, which quickly had the crowd moshing in front of the Airbnb stage, as their guitar noise could be heard a block away. Also slated early in the day was local act The Braymores and Ireland’s Kingfishr.
Early on, a sizable amount of festivalgoers lined up for two key attractions. One was the Snapchat Charm Bar, where custom-made keychains have become a quick Lolla must-have.
The other popular pick is the artist merch tent with lines snaking around Buckingham Fountain. Among the most highly coveted goods appeared to be merchandise from SB19, the first Filipino boy band to perform at the festival. Fans came ready to mark the occasion.
Fans gather to watch The Braymores perform on the BMI stage on Thursday, the first day of Lollapalooza at Grant Park.
Manuel Martinez/WBEZ
The Braymores perform on the BMI stage on Thursday, the first day of Lollapalooza at Grant Park. “This is the best day of our lives,” said singer Matt Tilles.
Manuel Martinez/WBEZ
Fans gather to watch The Braymores perform on the BMI stage on Thursday, the first day of Lollapalooza at Grant Park. The band has carefully cultivated a homegrown crowd in recent years.
Manuel Martinez/WBEZ
The Braymores perform on the BMI stage on Thursday, the first day of Lollapalooza at Grant Park. Before closing the set, the band also had time for a solid cover of Dr. Dog’s “Where’d All the Time Go” before wrapping.
Manuel Martinez/WBEZ
The Braymores perform on the BMI stage on Thursday, the first day of Lollapalooza at Grant Park. The band will head back to another local stage at House of Blues Aug. 21.
Manuel Martinez/WBEZ
Thousands flock to Grant Park on Thursday for day one of Lollapalooza.
Manuel Martinez/WBEZ
Festivalgoers walk on the first day of Lollapalooza on Thursday in Grant Park.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Hand sanitizers, ear plugs and lip balm are for free on the first day of Lollapalooza on Thursday in Grant Park.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A Naloxone booth on the first day of Lollapalooza on Thursday in Grant Park.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Audrey Cymone of Kim Theory performs on the Airbnb stage on the first day of Lollapalooza on Thursday in Grant Park.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Audrey Cymone (right) and Lucy Fraser of Kim Theory perform on the Airbnb stage on Thursday, the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Lula Seifert of Kim Theory performs on the Airbnb stage on Thursday, the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Audrey Cymone of Kim Theory performs on the Airbnb stage on Thursday, the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Zoey Su of Kim Theory performs on the Airbnb stage on the first day of Lollapalooza on Thursday in Grant Park.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A festivalgoer holds a Philippine flag during Lollapalooza on Thursday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Festivalgoers walk past a Heinz installation on Thursday, the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
People enter the festival grounds on the first day of Lollapalooza on Thursday in Grant Park.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Contributing: Selena Fragassi, Morgan Ciocca
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