Lollapalooza is an annual mega-concert held in Chicago that showcases musical artists both mainstream and independent from across the world. Ever since the concerts’ manifestation in 1991, Lollapalooza has long drawn criticism from people after the annual lineup has been  released.  Every year, there are people who seem to have negative opinions about why that  specific year’s Lollapalooza is “going to suck.”  Statements like these are typically based on the released set list and nothing more. I was talking to a friend about this phenomenon recently after buying my Lollapalooza tickets and he gave me some excellent insight.  Essentially he came to the conclusion that people deem that Lollapalooza will be bad beforehand, but that is because they are not immersed in the environment of the concert.  

This year’s lineup features several lesser-known electronic dance music (EDM) artists.  This has led many people to believe that the concert will not be as entertaining due to the fact the EDM does not feature any live instruments.  In my personal experience, even if I have not liked all of the songs played at a concert, I still have had an excellent time.  The environment at concerts and music festivals is intoxicatingly euphoric.  It is my opinion that not even “bad” music can plausibly ruin a concert experience for a viewer.

After talking to my friend recently about the line-up and about my concerns with the performers, my friend (a very musically savvy guy) reassured me of these aforementioned points.  

I am excited for my journey to Chicago this summer—driving with my friends to enjoy the concert while staying in the Hyatt by Grant Park (location of Lollapalooza) for three days. No amount of personally deemed “bad” music will ruin my time at the event and I am so happy that I have the opportunity to attend such a world-renowned event.

The attendees of Lollapalooza  and  the non-attendees (the people who just like to tout their opinions about the “bad” Lollapalooza set list) should come to the realization that there does not exist such a thing as “bad” music.  Certain types of music, ranging from Hip-Hop to EDM are good for certain events, and that is the beauty of Lollapalooza. It combines so many genres of music that it truthfully appeals in one way or another to all people. 

Concerts are a place where people of many different walks of life come together to enjoy a common occasion.  Lollapalooza is going to be a fantastic event this year and I sincerely hope that all people will eventually come to that conclusion. 

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Omeed Malek at [email protected].