Lollapalooza Day 3: Vampire & Killers

2:30 p.m. My feet are sore but I felt rested and ready for the last day of LOLLA. We took the Metra train again and walked 11 blocks at a leisurely pace. It was a relief to see that the park was less crowded than yesterday. We arrived early enough on the North side to be front and center for Vampire Weekend. It was a prime spot by the barricade that was put up near the front of the stage. Event Security Staff stayed to keep things under control (I was thankful for that later!). It was stifling in the heat. Event Staff brought over free bottles of water to cool off all the early birds. We sat on the dry grass for awhile and drank enough water that I felt like I was drowning in sweat. 4:30 p.m. Vampire Weekend came on and once again, we were surrounded by intolerable drunks and druggies. At one point, one of the security guys inside the barricade reached over and snatched a bag of weed from one of the fans. There were nice fans too (like the silly boy who yelled, “I just jizzed in my pants!” to lead vocals, Ezra) that just wanted talk about the band, dance and enjoy the music. And then there was the intoxicated, obnoxious, tall, half-naked guy who continued to flay himself on people while his three buddies tried to hold him down. I seriously thought Matt was going to knock him out. A few college students were body surfing only to be thrown into the barricade pit and escorted out.

Vampire Weekend

Matt Reiske © 2009 All Rights Reserved

Vampire Weekend was pretty enjoyable and I was surprised that Matt liked them. They remind me of fun, beach music … music to a John Hughes movie, which the lead singer made a reference to. Even though Snoop Dog was coming on next, I couldn’t bear dealing with an even wilder crowd so we gave up our prime spot. Most of the die hard fans were staying there for the next four hours to see The Killers.
6 p.m. We cooled off, ate Robinson’s BBQ pork sandwiches and waffle ice cream. Matt relaxed with a couple of beers while I stood in line for the Vampire signing. Lou Reed was performing nearby. The tweens in front of me were told by Security, “No photos.” I smiled politely, holding my pocket camera and the Security guy allowed me in the tent without saying a word. The four Vampires sat in a row looking bored and indifferent. I asked the first Vampire if I could take a photo. He says, “No … there’s a crowd.” I looked back at the people in line — and I have to say, there were MORE people waiting for Jack’s Mannequin and the lead singer, Andrew, signed, took photos with and greeted all his fans. I almost whipped out mini Rob and took a photo anyway. Really? You guys are that cool? You just went down a notch. Maybe it was the blaring Kings of Leon shirt that I was wearing. Yeah, that’s right, KOL is WAY cooler than you preppy Vampires. So much for Vampires that don’t suck.
8:30 p.m. We headed back to the North side and camped by the VIP cabanas to watch The Killers. Silversun Pickups played at the Vitaminwater stage — pretty decent alternative rock. Check out this CD:

The Killers
Matt Reiske © 2009 All Rights Reserved

The park went alive when The Killers opened with Human. Are we human or are we dancers… it was a fantastic light show. I wanted to stay until they played Mr. Brightside, but we had to beat the mass exodus out of the park. Eleven blocks back to the train station and my feet were worn out. The LOLLA frenzy followed us to the Metra Station. It was an eventful weekend but by 11:30 p.m., I was happy to settle in the cool train and nap.

I wanna be a ROCKSTAR!