Pretty much every major rock festival in the North America today was inspired (at least in passing) by Lollapalooza. It started in 1991 as the brainchild of Jane’s Addiction’s Perry Farrell and soon became a touring behemoth, showcasing the brightest and best bands from every corner of the rock and metal spectrum.
Nowadays it’s based solely in Chicago and includes some of the biggest names in pop, indie, rock, hip-hop and beyond – but the original festival was an riotous, anarchic affair featuring Body Count, Butthole Surfers, Nine Inch Nails and Rollins Band. Imagine seeing that line-up today? Sadly it’s probably not going to happen, but you can pretend it is by scrolling through these photos of the first year’s tour.
Were you at the first Lollapalooza? Did it blow your mind? Let us know!
