On this very day in 1991, America’s own Lollapalooza music festival kicked off for the very first time. And the way it kicked off was pretty brilliant, when you think about it. Rather than going the traditional musical festival route, complete with a set location and numerous stages, the festival kicked off at seemingly random locations all around the United States.
Videos by American Songwriter
On July 18, 1991, Lollapalooza kicked off in sunny Chandler, Arizona, at Compton Terrace. Fun fact: Stevie Nicks’ father, Jess Nicks, owned the original Compton Terrace, originally located in Tempe, Arizona.
But back to Lollapalooza. The 1991 run of concerts spanned 21 locations, running from mid-July through late August. Starting in Arizona, the festival spanned much of the United States and Canada, including dates in California, Illinois, Toronto, New York, Texas, Washington, and many other locations.
The lineup was killer, too. The main stage boasts the likes of Jane’s Addiction, Siouxsie And The Banshees, Nine Inch Nails, and Fiolent Femmes. Living Colour, Ice-T & Body Count, Butthole Surfers, Rollins Band, and Fishbone were also main stage performers for the 1991 run. Othello’s Revenge and Emergency Broadcast Network performed on the side stage.
Lollapalooza 1991 Kicked off Across North America at Secret, Inconspicuous Locations
Overall, the world’s first Lollapalooza was a pretty hefty success. And those who got to attend can thank Perry Farrell and Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction for that. With the help of agents Marc Geiger and Don Muller, Lollapalooza kicked off in the summer of 1991. It was the first festival of its kind on the continent. Farrell himself said that he envisioned the festival tour as a place for up-and-coming and non-mainstream performers to get exposure, as well as a place where art and politics could be at the forefront.
The event started something incredible. The following year, an even bigger Lollapalooza festival kicked off on the same day. However, the 1992 run of Lollapalooza dates featured way more talent. The headliners included big names like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Soundgarden. However, the side stage featured an enormous list of underground, non-mainstream, and up-and-coming talent.
Today, Lollapalooza is still one of the largest music festivals in the entire world. The fest ended in 1997 before getting a successful resurrection in 2005, albeit with a different touring formula. And it all started with a unique idea that touched on the concept of a traveling festival.
Photo by Steve Eichner/Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.