Lollapalooza Announced This Year's Lineup And It Looks Pretty, Pretty Good
Lollapalooza’s 2025 lineup is here, and if you weren’t already planning on attending, you might want to rethink that whole “I’m too cool for festivals” attitude. This year, the lineup is packed, featuring an all-star cast of heavy hitters and emerging talent. They really stepped it up. This is one of the best lineups they've had in ages. So, if you want to be that guy who casually drops the name of the band you “discovered” before anyone else, here’s a rundown of those kinds of acts and the household names you absolutely cannot miss.
Starting with the big name headliners-
Korn
Korn’s back, and yes, they still know how to bring the angst. If you missed them in the late ‘90s, like I did, here’s our second chance. I've heard for years now how I need to experience a Korn show live because theres nothing like it.
Credit to Lollapalooza for throwing a curveball and getting back to their roots booking a real actual band like they used to back in the day to play their big stages to showcase.
Korn's new single “Start the Healing” hits hard, just like their early stuff, and if you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re getting punched in the face by nostalgia, this is the show to catch. Bonus points if you manage to survive the mosh pit.
Luke Combs
Luke Combs is bringing his country charm to Lollapalooza, and his new track “Love You Anyway” is just another reason why you should catch his set. He’s one of the biggest names in country right now, and this year’s performance will likely include hits from his massive catalog. Another curveball from a festival that's leaned heavily on pop and electronic acts the past ten years to headline- I honestly can't remember the last time they had a country act- nevermind one as massive as Luke Combs, on the bill. This is going to be a really fun night. (I hope they slot him Saturday).
Pro Tip #1 - fellas if you are being dragged to Lolla against your dead body by your girl, or you're trying to impress a girl- catch Luke Combs. You will be amazed. Chicks go crazy for live country music. Plus it's always a party. You will have a blast, and your girl will want to bang after Luke plays "Beautiful Crazy". Book it.
Pro Tip #2 - And if you're single, this is the show you want to be at the stage for just for all the talent in the audience.
Cage The Elephant
Cage the Elephant are like that unpredictable friend who always knows how to keep the party interesting. They’re gracing Lollapalooza with a new single (yes, the one above), and you know their live performances are always a chaotic mix of grunge, funk, and rock’n’roll. If you’re in the mood for a little bit of everything, this is the band that’ll make your day. I saw these guys last time they were at Lolla, like 6 or 7 years ago, and they were awesome. They've been pumping out hits for 15 years so they have a deep catalog and a festival set is just straight bangers from them. Definitely a "can't miss".
Royel Otis
Royel Otis has the perfect mix of indie-rock and blues, with “Sofa King” being a prime example of how they balance quirky lyrics with catchy guitar riffs. (One of my favorite songs in recent memory)
I actually meant to write a "Get Familiar" blog about these guys last year, but like everything I mean to do, I procrastinated, and now these guys are pretty big. (Especially after their Cranberries cover went pretty viral)
Expect a set full of off-kilter charm and an energy that’s impossible to ignore. These guys are about to blow up blow up, so catch them while you still can on a festival stage, probably mid-afternoon.
Dominic Fike
Dominic Fike is the poster child for the current alt-pop scene, and if you’re not already a fan, you will be after hearing him rip “Dancing in the Dark.” Catch him live, and you’ll see why he’s become a go-to for infectious hooks and swagger-filled performances. This guy is as innovative as they come and he's got pipes. I am really looking forward to this show.
MK.Gee
MK.Gee’s fucks. This guy has got his finger on the pulse of indie-electronic, and his new track “Over the Moon” is nothing short of spectacular. Think chill beats, dreamy vocals, and just the right amount of melancholic vibes to make you wish the night would never end. If you’re into the more laid-back electronic scene, this is your new guy. If you love Sting and The Police you will love Mk. Gee.
Two Friends
Two Friends are longtime stoolies and good friends of the program. Recently, they have made a name for themselves in the EDM world, and their latest single “Looking For Love” is a perfect example of their ability to craft emotionally charged anthems that still make you want to jump up and down. Whether you’re in it for the drops or the feels, their Lollapalooza set will have something for everyone and I can't wait for these guys to get the opportunity to play in front of 100,000 people at Perry's stage and get it going wild.
Levity
Levity’s a local Chicago electronic duo that has picked up major steam the past year. They have an ethereal and melodic vibe will make you feel like you were on a beach somewhere in paradise. Prepare for a sensory overload of good vibes and deep tracks with their set, and a massive hometown crowd taking it all in.
Gigi Perez
Gigi Perez has been making waves with her indie-pop sound, and her big track "Sailor Song" is an absolute banger that caught fire on mainstream radio recently so she's blowing up. I think this is a name to keep an eye on and I am interested in checking out what her set is going to sound and look like.
Joey Valence & Brae
Joey Valence & Brae are bringing a unique blend of rap and punk. Again, showing love for friends of the program here, it's great to see them on such a huge bill. Well deserved.
They grew up obsessed with The Beastie Boys and their sound perfectly encapsulates their genre-bending energy. You can tell just from listening to them within the first 30 seconds. If you like your live shows full of raw energy, fast beats, and unfiltered lyrics, these guys are going to give you exactly what you’re looking for.
Tanner Adell
Tanner Adell is another friend of the program. And another country act on the Lolla bill this year. Her new single, “Silverado” is an absolute heater, and her live performance is sure to keep the energy high. She mixes indie-pop sensibilities with a touch of alt-rock grit, and if you’re a fan of artists like Lorde and Phoebe Bridgers, you’ll definitely want to make time for her set.
Bilmuri
Bilmuri is a name I can't stop hearing about. Everybody has been telling me what an awesome party "the hog" throws and that his shows are fucking wild so I am really looking forward to catching this set. I don't even know what to call his sound- which is always a good thing.
Bleachers
Jack Antonoff’s Bleachers make their return to Chicago and I am pumped. This is a personal favorite of mine. Their song "Modern Girl" is a track that’s as emotional as it is catchy. It sounds so much like an "E-Street Band" record that I couldn't help but fall in love with it the first time I heard it.
Expect synth-pop melodies that make you feel like you’re in an 80s music video and an entire crowd singing their hearts out.
Antonoff’s knack for crafting bangers is well-known, and you better believe his Lollapalooza set will be just as memorable as any of his Grammy wins.
I'm sure everybody will just keep the dump in their pants, not change their dirty diapers, and yell about how lame festivals are and how awful this lineup is, but for those who have anything constructive to add, bands we should be sure to check out, and/or try to line up for interviews, please drop them in the comments or shoot over to dante@barstoolsports.com.