Lollapalooza Day 3: Thee Sacred Souls, The Linda Lindas rock through the rain
Eloise Wong, right, smiles as Lucia de la Garza leans back while playing guitar during The Linda Lindas performance on the Titos Stage during Lollapalooza Day 3 on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 at Grant Park in Chicago. | Owen Ziliak/Sun-Times
Rain or shine is Lollapalooza’s policy, so even though the skies were steadily showering down on Grant Park since the morning, the music and festivities went on as planned.
Right after doors opened, organizers utilized the festival app to send out a reminder to attendees that umbrellas were not allowed on the grounds and to bring boots (some solid advice as mud puddles started forming on the grassier areas).
While the alert has kept many concertgoers at bay, with the park crowd probably a quarter of the size it normally is in mid-afternoon, those that braved the elements could be seen lining up outside the onsite bodega near Buckingham Fountain, securing whatever rain gear was available for purchase.
The result — a sea of rainbow-hued ponchos that have drowned the scene at Grant Park, bringing some needed color to the otherwise mopey day.
Here are some highlights from Day 3 of Lollapalooza:
Thee Sacred Souls
With a sound that is influenced by the soul and groove of the ’60s and ’70s, Thee Sacred Souls still manages to sound contemporary. The rain didn’t seem to bother rambunctious lead singer Josh Lane, who at one point ran off stage and into the crowd, tempting fans to chase him as he ran across the muddied baseball fields in Grant Park. Thee Sacred Souls want the world to know that they’re all about love and every emotion connected to it. They performed a romantic cover of The Fuzz’s (presumably one of their influences) “I Love You For All The Seasons” while fans embraced each other and swayed in the rain. — Ambar Colón
Thee Sacred Souls performs at the T-Mobile stage during the third day of Lollapalooza at Grant Park, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. | Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
The Linda Lindas
The young punk rock rockers, ranging in age from 12 to 18, took a break from their arena tour supporting Paramore to play Lollapalooza for an hour-long set. The quartet filled up the time well with their incredible originals such as “Magic,” “Monica,” the just released song “Resolution/Revolution” and new track “Too Many Things.” They also threw in a couple covers of The Go-Go’s “Tonite” and Bikini Kill’s “Rebel Girl,” the latter paying homage to one of the Lindas’ heroes who they were personally invited to perform with in recent years. The band’s rain-soaked set at Lolla today showed they already have incredible maturity and more very grown-up opinions. — Selena Fragassi
The Linda Lindas perform on the Tito’s Stage during Lollapalooza Day 3 on Saturday in Grant Park.
Owen Ziliak/Sun-Times
Usted Señalemelo
Rain poured down heavily as Usted Señalemelo took the stage on Saturday afternoon at Lollapalooza. What started off as a crowd of about 30 people grew with time as the sky opened up even more. Some fans wore ponchos, others carried umbrellas, and several brave souls just weathered the downpour as the band rocked out onstage. “Despite the rain, your love fills our souls,” Juan Mango, on vocals and synth, told the crowd in Spanish. The set ultimately was full of guitar solos, a bit of punky screaming and plenty of energy. Fans were head banging along with the band, and when it was all over, begged for them to play just one more tune. — Ambar Colón
Gabriel Orozco, left, and Lucca Petrich of Usted Señalemelo perform on the Bacardi Stage during Lollapalooza Day 3 on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 at Grant Park in Chicago. | Owen Ziliak/Sun-Times