Since becoming permanently stationed in Chicago’s Grant Park in 2005, Lollapalooza has consistently delivered two things: impressive lineups and droves of people looking to see said lineups. This year featured hugely popular artists such as Green Day, Lady Gaga, and Arcade Fire alongside only slightly lesser-known but no less awesome acts, including Mumford & Sons, Chromeo and Wolfmother. Dozens of other bands and a host of DJ acts also took to the park’s eight stages.

Most sets can seem upsettingly short for diehard fans, but to those with a more casual musical interest, they are fast paced and exciting. X Japan­-a riveting Japanese metal band-delivered a particularly excellent show, rocking out in full heavy metal regalia, using huge pyrotechnics, and braving the 35 degree heat in black leather and chains.

People who are claustrophobic, heat-sensitive or picky about acoustics should probably skip Lollapalooza, because it’s about the experience. Yes, the crowds are vast, the acoustics are bad and holy God, it gets hot. But even if you are one of the finicky ones, it would be remiss of you to skip over Lollapalooza next summer. Grab a five-dollar beer and get ready to spend three days packed like sardines with a cheerful and drunk crowd witnessing some outstanding performancesSince becoming permanently stationed in Chicago’s Grant Park in 2005, Lollapalooza has consistently delivered two things: impressive lineups and droves of people looking to see said lineups. This year featured hugely popular artists such as Green Day, Lady Gaga, and Arcade Fire alongside only slightly lesser-known but no less awesome acts, including Mumford & Sons, Chromeo and Wolfmother. Dozens of other bands and a host of DJ acts also took to the park’s eight stages.

Most sets can seem upsettingly short for diehard fans, but to those with a more casual musical interest, they are fast paced and exciting. X Japan­-a riveting Japanese metal band-delivered a particularly excellent show, rocking out in full heavy metal regalia, using huge pyrotechnics, and braving the 35 degree heat in black leather and chains.

People who are claustrophobic, heat-sensitive or picky about acoustics should probably skip Lollapalooza, because it’s about the experience. Yes, the crowds are vast, the acoustics are bad and holy God, it gets hot. But even if you are one of the finicky ones, it would be remiss of you to skip over Lollapalooza next summer. Grab a five-dollar beer and get ready to spend three days packed like sardines with a cheerful and drunk crowd witnessing some outstanding performances.