Concert review: Lollapalooza 2005

07/26/2005 12:33 AM, Reuters


Lollapalooza staged its return during the weekend in the true underdog spirit of the counterculture it has always supported.

Transformed into a single-site event at Chicago's Grant Park, the two-day fest featured more than 60 bands. An impressive lineup of performers came out swinging Saturday, including Billy Idol -- who gave a "Rebel Yell" -- the Pixies, Weezer and Primus in their only 2005 live appearance. Flanked by two larger-than-life inflatable rubber duckies, singer-bassist Les Claypool reminded the crowd that Primus played Lollapalooza 12 years ago, as the creators of the "South Park" theme song went on to perform such classics as "To Defy the Laws of Tradition," "Here Come the Bastards," "American Life" and "My Name Is Mud."

Newer bands, the heart of the genre-bending festival, put on some of the most charged live shows. The Bravery and . . . And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, with its two-kit unison drumming (and consequently two trashed kits at the end of the set), were among the best.

Sunday offered equally exciting buzz bands including Louis XIV, with their smoldering riffs and prowling "night after" makeup. The band's showstoppers included the sexually charged "Finding Out True Love Is Blind" and "Paper Doll." The Killers hit the stage with favorites "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine," "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me," and Drive-By Truckers paid homage to their hometown of Muscle Shoals, Ala., with several soul-staining, Southern roots-rock songs from last year's "The Dirty South." Standout tunes included "Puttin' People on the Moon" and "Carl Perkins' Cadillac."

As is tradition, Lollapalooza founder-organizer Perry Farrell performed, introducing his new project, Satellite Party, an amorphous musical experience the former Jane's Addiction and Porno for Pyros frontman hopes to develop into a play and feature film. Sharing the musical vision were ex-Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt and No Doubt's Tony Kanal on gripping bass.

The Dandy Warhols, Death Cab for Cutie and Widespread Panic held stages on the second day, as did the festival's most exciting and original act, the Arcade Fire, performing music from its debut album, "Funeral."

Although one might expect a record titled "Funeral" to be macabre, the band illuminated any dark hues, sharing the philosophy to celebrate life rather than mourn death. Consequently, the beautifully written, lush rock compositions rejoiced rather than ached. Adding whatever sounds enhanced the mood's texture and accented the emotional twists coursing through the songs was a priority and often led to unusual stage antics, including guitarist Richard Parry wearing a helmet while bandmates drummed on his head.

In introducing the Arcade Fire, Farrell said the band proves that it's still possible to be original. And in restoring Lollapalooza, Farrell proved that there are always alternative ways to reinvent.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter