This weekend I spent my time at Grant Park in Chicago attending Lollapalooza '05. The great touring festival of the '90s debut in its new two-day format in Chicago. Needless to say, it was a great time had for all. Big acts like Pixies, Weezer and The Killers were mixed in with up and coming bands like the Redwalls and The Bravery to create something that will become a big tradition in Chicago for a long time to come.
However, there was one big thing missing from the fest this weekend. They didn't allow anyone to publicize any causes, like they have in past editions.
The only cause that was pushed on the weekend was The Virtual March for Global Warming, which had its own table. That was it, however, as I saw groups like PETA and such having to do their thing they do outside of the gates. Sunday afternoon, one guy with a megaphone was protesting the lack of any sort of advocacy inside the fest grounds.
That was kind of sad but not suprising. SBC was the big sponsor of the weekend and I don't see them as being into letting causes be promoted in one of their gigs. I would also have to think that the City of Chicago made it clear to the organizers that they wouldn't tollerate any sort of advocacy on city property.
While I enjoyed myself this weekend, the brand name Lollapalooza no longer means what it used to. It now is a money making machine for corporations. Here is hoping that if the festival happens in Chicago next summer that the organizers get some groups in the grounds. It would be nice to recognize that part of the legacy of Lollapaooza.