While critics, bloggers and living legends love to speculate on the pending death of rock and roll, the genre is alive and well as proven by the inclusion of several must-see acts on the Lollapalooza 2018 lineup. From ferocious guitarists to bands with brooding frontmen to a duo who loves to dance, here’s a look at five rock-infused artists playing Grant Park during the four-day festival weekend of Aug. 2 – 5, 2018.
The National
The members of The National are no strangers to Lollapalooza. Who could forget their iconic 2010 performance on the Petrillo Music Shell Stage during which frontman Matt Berninger ventured out into the crowd – omitting R-rated lyrics when singing to a little girl – during an incredible performance of “Mr. November.” The National is a live band if there ever was one.
St. Vincent
Although Annie Clark has been melting faces at festivals for over a decade, 2018 marks the first time St. Vincent will be performing at Lollapalooza in Chicago. She recently evolved her stage show from a solo affair to a full-band format so even if you’ve seen the Masseduction material live, you won’t want to miss this set.
Chromeo
Chromeo is always a fan-favorite at Lollapalooza. Come rain or come shine, Dave 1 and P-Thugg no how to get festival-goers moving. The Funk Lordz’s long-awaited album, Head Over Heels, is due out on June 15 so the duo will have even more smooth grooves geared-up for Grant Park.
Arctic Monkeys
Fanfare surrounds the Arctic Monkeys every time they announce a headlining performance, but 2018 finds the group fully armed with a collection of new material from their upcoming release, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino. The last time Alex Turner and company performed at Lollapalooza they previewed their fifth studio album AM, but this time fans will have ample opportunities to learn every note of the new LP before they take the Lolla stage. Get ready to sing along!
Jack White
When Jack White headlined Lollapalooza 2012 he transformed his biggest hits into anthems, performed with two different bands and pretty much destroyed the hearing of all within earshot. His 2018 album, Boarding House Reach is his most experimental release to date foreshadowing a Lollapalooza 2018 set that will surprise, astonish and amaze. All rock nay-sayers will have to change their tune after experiencing this contemporary legend do what he does best.
Lollapalooza 2018 takes place in Chicago’s Grant Park on Aug. 2 – 5. More information can be found at www. Lollapalooza.com.