Lollapalooza Day 1 Evacuated Due To Weather
By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 4, 2017 3:31AM
Getty Images / Photo: Ian Gavan
It was an early end to Lollalapalooza Day 1, as a weather emergency cut headliners’ sets short—just as we feared. As rain fell amid scattered lightning, an apologetic Lorde told her crowd after about three songs that the set had been cut off. At about 9:08 p.m., the signs along the stages instructed festivalgoers to evacuate.
Lorde said she was looking into doing a makeup club show.
they've told us we can't play. i had the most spectacular show planned for you and i PROMISE i will come back to play it as soon as i can 💔
— Lorde (@lorde) August 4, 2017
looking into the possibilities of a club show but i want you guys to see full tank show. will keep you posted
— Lorde (@lorde) August 4, 2017
this is the most MELODRAMA shit ever
— Lorde (@lorde) August 4, 2017
"We are disappointed to have to end today's performances early, however our first priority is the safety of our fans, staff and artists," said Sandee Fenton, Director of Publicity for C3 Presents, in a statement.
Other acts scheduled to close out the festival at Grant Park were Muse, Lil Uzi Vert and Porter Robinson. The downpour really started to fall shortly after the evacuation was called. The rain had stopped by about 10 p.m.
Tonight's performances will not resume. Please make your way toward shelter, away from Grant Park. pic.twitter.com/3BTAU2Lhf1
— Lollapalooza (@lollapalooza) August 4, 2017
During the evacuation, there were long lines to get onto the 'L' train as the rain poured down, according to some of our folks on the ground. Most of the people we saw exiting the festival were calm and orderly, though we did spot some exceptions.
It all felt a bit like a flashback to Lolla flash floods of yore.
We'll have photos and full coverage of Lollapalooza Day 1 on Friday morning. A lot happened before the storm! Stay tuned.