• the217
• Music
• Lollapalooza 2009: Day one

Related Media

Kings of Leon: Official Press Photo Lollapalooza 2009 Day 1, Budweiser Stage Photo by: Dave Mead

• See Slideshow (10 images)

Related Artists

• Manchester Orchestra's Profile »
• The Gaslight Anthem's Profile »
• Fleet Foxes's Profile »
• Kings of Leon's Profile »

Related Articles

• Preparing for Lollapalooza 2009

Amanda: If there was one word to perfectly describe the first day of Lollapalooza 2009, it would be “wet.” The problem was not that it poured or that it was a particularly cold rain, but rather that it just never let up. Hour upon hour of rain can be draining, but the crowd took it all in stride; dancing in puddles, showing off any number of creative make-shift ponchos and generally taking the opportunity to place no concern in fashion (which is always a refreshing thought). I can’t say that there weren’t times when I wasn’t frustrated with the weather, but with several of my most anticipated acts for the entire weekend to come in that Friday afternoon, the garbage bag poncho was going to have to do.

Michell: Never in my life have I needed to buy a jacket in August. That all changed today as I headed out to Lollapalooza in Grant Park. I braved the rain and comparatively cold weather to see some of my favorite bands take the stage. In case you were wondering, I was one of the umbrella-wielding people who had to watch their backs lest they be stabbed by an angry mob of people who forgot their umbrellas and wanted to spread their unhappiness to the world. Haters can hate.

All I’ve really heard about this year’s lineup is that it pales in comparison to years before. I don’t know that I necessarily agree. Ok, so we get The Killers this year rather than Radiohead, but this year’s lineup features a solid bunch of smaller acts that I am excited to see, many which took the stage Friday. And seeing as Friday possessed no major conflict in schedules, I was able to enjoy the music without experiencing some serious FOMO (fear of missing out).

I decided I’d get my festival-going feet wet (both literally and figuratively) this year with Manchester Orchestra, who just came off a solid album, Everything to Nothing. I love this album. A lot. So I was excited that the band stuck primarily to their recent work. The band drew a sizeable, though rather subdued crowed. The lackluster energy was not for lack of trying on M.O’s part. Lead singer Andy Hull’s vocals were impressive and the band was full of energy, headbanging as they went. Perhaps everyone was just holding out for what was sure to be the long, rainy day ahead.

Maggie:I would have to agree about the whole weather situation. At one point my lips were a slight tint of blue and I had to scour for a garbage bag to make myself a makes-shift poncho. I was rather pleased to see that the non-stop drizzle didn’t really have a noticeable effect on the crowd and I continued into the festive head held high.

Amanda:: I am rather disappointed that I missed most of Manchester Orchestra’s set due to timing issues (and the fact that I had to pick up my passes on the opposite end of the park), as I was really excited about hearing how Mean Everything to Nothing would translate to a setting like Grant Park. Usually I favor the annoying “I would rather see this band in a more intimate venue” viewpoint, however, I have seen Andy Hull and crew everywhere but an open, outdoor setting and was really looking forward to a change of pace. In spite all of this, the few tracks I did catch were every bit as grandiose and ambitious as I had hoped they would be. Closing with the commanding “The River,” the final track of their latest full-length release, the band did an impressive job maintaining, and seemingly, winning over the early morning crowd.

One hour, one interview (note: check back on Wednesday for a full transcript) and a walk across the entire park later, I found myself right up front for an hour-long set from Jersey boys Gaslight Anthem. A definite highlight in my day, I was disappointed instead by the lackluster response from the crowd. Lollapalooza is always interesting for the wide range of not only acts, but also audience, it brings in and the crowd just didn’t seem to want to rock. Yes, there was the brief circle pit near the end of the set, but I was more of the impression that some half-naked boys wanted attention and were not even paying attention the band. I wasn’t disappointed by the band, they brought a raw energy and played my favorite track, “We Came to Dance,” I was disappointed by the response. In this instance, I have to revert to the “I would rather see this band in a more intimate venue” school of thought. I think not only the crowd, but the band as well would have reacted better to a more punk rock atmosphere and line-up.

From Gaslight, I quickly headed over to the BMI Stage, (a much smaller side stage), to see Kevin Devine. Having previously interviewed the Brooklyn singer-songwriter, my anticipation of the set was even larger than it had been coming in. As with Manchester Orchestra, I have seen Devine in multiple settings and was excited for the prospect of the festival performance. Joined by backing act, the Goddamn Band, Devine played a set heavy in tracks from his most recent release, April’s Brother’s Blood. With the entirety of Manchester Orchestra standing in the background enthusiastically watching, clapping and singing along, Devine won over more than just his friends and constant tour mates. The set ended with a jamworthy rendition of “Brother’s Blood,” stretching the already lengthy track into a perfect closing number.

Michell: Later in the day came Fleet Foxes. Even though this was the first day of the three-day festival, Fleet Foxes is going to be a tough act to top for me. I was blown away. They put on a nearly flawless set. There were no light effects, no spinning distractions backstage, just the simplicity of their music. The band’s harmonization was practically flawless, even with lead singer Robert Pecknold claiming to have a “terrible cold.” I don’t know that I can return to listening to the cd. Now that I’ve heard them live, I don’t want to go back to the digital copy.

I closed out the night with Kings of Leon, one of my favorite bands. I was a little nervous as I thought this set could have gone one of two ways: either KoL would stick almost exclusively to their most recent album, Only by the Night, which has brought them staggering success, or they would favor more of their old songs in the hopes of introducing new fans to their early work. I was pleasantly surprised the group went with the latter. I don’t want to come off as a music snob or one of those “I knew them before they were big” fans, but I’m just not impressed with KoL’s most recent album. It just doesn’t possess the same grit as their previous stuff. The band did a nice mix of songs from all four of their full-length albums, generally pleasing all fans. However, KoL’s high-energy music didn’t seem to translate to their performance. I found the group rather stagnant on stage. They sounded great, but didn’t look great.

And on a side not, if you want someone to take down their umbrella, don’t call them profane names in the midst of asking them to do so. It will not produce the desired outcome.

Maggie:Due to timing issues, I was only able to catch two Manchester Orchestra songs. I can’t really comment on the show because of it since I was way back in the crowd, but the music did sound great. As it ended, I headed straight over to Gaslight Anthem. It was every bit as good as I had hoped, although Amanda makes and excellent point about the audience. Sometimes they just don’t give back as much as they should. The band gave an excellent punk performance to a crown of slowly head bobbing people. I did see a mosh pit over to my left which made me a tad bit jealous

After a lunch break, misery kicked in a little bit. I was extremely cold and just needed to get back in the crowds for from must body heat; at that point that sounded extremely enticing. I headed over to Crystal Castles and got right in the middle of the action. The electronic music got everyone dancing around and The audience was definitely feeling it. I headed over to Andrew Bird, unfortunately by myself as all my friends went to Pete Bjorn & John. I don’t understand my loyalty to that guy; if he’s where I am, I must see him. But every time I do, I wish it were at a much, much smaller venue. I do enjoy that fact that he always changes his sings up when he does them live, so even those familiar with his music will hear something new.

Having no investment in either headliner, I saw Kings of Leon for a bit which didn’t impress me at all. I headed over to the DJ stage to catch the end of an amazing set from The Crookers, only for it to be followed up by and incredibly boring, danceless set by KiD CuDi.

Although the night ended on a low note, I cannot wait to see what Saturday brings.

Check back tomorrow for an update on Day 2.