There will be 130 bands performing at the 2012 Lollapalooza music festival. The biggest names include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Sabbath, The Black Keys, Jack White, Avicii, Justice, Florence + The Machine, At The Drive-In, Bassnectar, The Shins and Passion Pit. Currently, this is Black Sabbath’s only 2012 performance in North America.
Once again, the event will take place in Chicago’s Grant Park. In the old days, Lollapalooza traveled across the country and there was only one main stage for all the featured bands. There is now only one event and as of the 2011 festival there are now eight different stages with each stage having its own unique offering.
With all those options, if you don’t plan ahead, you’ll probably spend most of your time wandering aimlessly, hoping to find a band you like. Due to the eclectic nature of the festival, this can definitely be a waste of limited time for which he paid good money. Consider that in 2011 the bands Coldplay and Muse played at the same time on opposite ends of the festival grounds.
Get your ticket Lollapalooza 2012
Advance tickets for the 2012 Lollapalooza festival went on sale March 27 for $200 followed by regular three-day tickets for $230. Both sold out in one day. Single day passes are also nearly sold out. At the end of May, only the day pass for Sunday is available for $95. However, tickets are available for resale on various sites such as TicketNetwork.
Fans wishing to travel first class can purchase a VIP package for $1,050 per person that includes VIP access to Lollapalooza lounges, golf cart shuttle service between lounges, premium observation decks, and all-day beer and wine , food service, mini spa treatments and baths. with flush toilets. The latter might be worth the money alone. If you’ve ever had to use a portable toilet on a hot Midwestern afternoon, you’ll understand the value.
Even if you don’t plan on attending all 3 days, you should seriously consider getting a 3-day pass. It pays to have the peace of mind knowing that you can come and go as you please and choose the days to attend. Reselling your pass only takes a few minutes on Craigslist or by standing near the festival entrance. You should be able to easily get back the value of the ticket for the remaining day or two. To sell your pass, be sure to keep your wristband loose so you can remove it or simply carry it in your pocket and show it to security when you enter.
If you don’t see one of the bands performing at Lollapalooza, you probably won’t see them for a while. Lollapalooza has a blockade on bands playing at the festival that prohibits artists from performing for six months before the festival and three months after anywhere within 300 miles of Grant Park. That large area includes concert markets as far afield as Milwaukee, Madison, Iowa City, Detroit, and Indianapolis.
Don’t let the Chicago weather put you off
The weather in Chicago is unpredictable and if you are laying all your eggs in one day, you might be disappointed. Also, if you only have a day pass, you will be held captive by the festival and unable to leave the grounds and return again. There is very limited indoor space which will make for a miserable experience if the weather turns nasty. Having the option to leave the festival grounds and take a break in a nice, quiet, air-conditioned restaurant can go a long way in recharging you for the next round of bands.
It will probably be hot and humid, so be sure to dress appropriately. You may want to carry an umbrella or poncho in your backpack in case of rain. In case the sky is clear, make sure to bring enough sunscreen. There is precious little shade on many of the stages.
How to Get to Lollapalooza
Public transportation is the way to go. It’s one of the awesome benefits of having the event in downtown Chicago. Parking is extremely expensive and the traffic will make your blood pressure rise. Even if you’re coming from out of town for the day, consider parking somewhere outside of the city center and taking public transportation on the loop.
Hotels, Bars and Restaurants
You’ll be in downtown Chicago, so there will be plenty of options. Step outside the festival grounds and you’ll easily find a bar or food within minutes. Yet another reason to consider the 3-day pass (see above). There are plenty of hotels in the area, including some reasonably priced places, but you need to book your room weeks in advance or you’re out of luck.
Be a part of the event even if you can’t be there
Although it is not the same as going to the festival, you can watch the action online. Through a partnership with iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s industry-leading digital radio service and official launch partner of the lineup, listeners will hear the spot on 130 Clear Channel Rock and CHR radio stations and their websites around the world. the country.
If you plan ahead, you’ll be ready to go. Lollapalooza is an event like no other and Chicago is a world class city. It’s hard not to have a good time no matter what.
Means
Lollapalooza 2012 Official Site
Regional Transportation Authority