Lollapalooza was an incredible experience this year. The weather was ideal, the people were out. Unfortunately, It was very difficult to make it to every act, and like others, I found myself in the position where I had to choose one out of three acts that I really wanted to see. However, I wasn’t surprised by this dilemma and no festival-goer should be. However, I’m glad that I was able to witness Empire of the Sun’s act on Saturday night at the Perry Stage set up in the grass, between the trees in Grant Park.
I decided to watch Green Day for a while before heading over to Empire of the Sun, I was excited to hear the song, “Walking on a Dream” personally popularized and respected for a few months. What I witnessed at their set was one of the coolest things I’ve seen. The theatrical effects were heavy, in an epic fashion, not in a hernia sort-of-way. The smoke was flowing and the lights were dancing all over the stage as the dancers went through costumes ranging from swordfish masks to asian dancers. It was a surreal dream-like experience.
The dancers choreographed dancing was reminiscent of someone pairing the “Walk like an Egyptian” dance with a rave. All the while, the decked out performers with costumes of their own – led the masses to a different time-zone with their music which sounded right on key.
Setlist:
Standing on the Shore
Breakdown
Half Mast
We Are the People
Delta Bay
The World
Swordfish Hotkiss Night
Without You
Tiger by My Side
Walking on a Dream