strike Lollapalooza

On the cab trip into Chicago from Midway on Friday we drove by the festival site just about the time the first bands were starting. The sight of lines wrapping entirely around Grant Park pushed our decision to forget about the afternoon shows and arrive later in an abortive attempt to catch an evening show when it might be a bit cooler and easier to get in. When we did go, I can honestly say I heard more music OUTSIDE the gates, walking alongside Grant Park to reach the single entrance. What a ridiculous way to run a festival! In their attempt to make sure no contraband entered, an hour-and-a-half bottleneck was created. Not fun, and not necessary. No programs available on the first day--fortunately I had my own schedule. I honestly think the festival expected you to walk three city blocks between the main stages with tens of thousands of people jostling, back and forth back and forth. Just move along with the crowd, don't worry about where you are going and why. Just move. And for what? The magic was sucked out of the experience by having thirty minutes, an hour of a band? No spontaneity, no four-hour career defining sets, no resting, keep moving, keep moving. It was all business, no fun. Didn't help that we were easily among the oldest attendees, not that this usually bothers me. This time it did, as I felt like and old cow in a stampede. We sold our Saturday tickets on the way in when it became apparent that it would be worse not better and were giddy about suddenly feeling free to enjoy the weekend. Things were immediately improved and the weekend was saved by the decision to bail from Lollapalooza.