Here We Go!

It was groundbreaking. It was diverse. It was a traveling caravan. And it was beautiful. On this day in 1991, the very first Lollapalooza concert took place in Tempe, Arizona, marking the beginning of what would become a legendary music festival.

1991 was a pivotal year for music - Alternative music had broken through and needed that extra boost to reach even more. Jane’s Addiction was supposed to play the Reading Festival, but never got to because lead singer Perry Farrell got sick. So he came up with Lollapalooza (the name came from a Three Stooges episode). He envisioned it as a traveling festival that would bring alternative rock music to the forefront of pop culture. The inaugural event in 1991 featured an eclectic lineup that included Jane's Addiction, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Nine Inch Nails, Ice-T and Living Colour, among others. This diverse collection of artists set the tone for Lollapalooza's reputation as a groundbreaking and genre-defying festival.

The Tempe show was held at the Compton Terrace, an outdoor venue that provided the perfect backdrop for the energetic and raw performances that characterized the festival. The atmosphere was sure to be electric, with fans from all over flocking to witness a historic musical event. It was hot that day but the scorching Arizona heat did little to dampen the spirits of the attendees, who were treated to powerful and memorable performances.

The most excited were most likely Ice-T and Butthole Surfers. Two acts that were reaching new audiences and playing to bigger crowds than normal. However, Nine Inch Nails didn’t fare so well. The heat got to their equipment forcing them to abandon the stage after just two songs. “We’re officially the first casualty of Lollapalooza,” said Reznor afterwards.

Jane's Addiction delivered a particularly intense and emotional set, cementing their status as pioneers of the alternative rock movement. However, after the set, some of the band came to blows. Quite the outgoing party for the band.

Along with the music, there were visual artists and shops full of trinkets and food vendors, along with numerous organizations spreading their gospels. Greenpeace had a heavy presence, and informational kiosks abounded for groups such as Rock the Vote, the League of Women Voters, PETA, the National Abortion Rights Action League and more.

The success of the first Lollapalooza in Tempe laid the foundation for the festival's future. It proved that there was a significant audience for alternative music and that a traveling festival could effectively bring together diverse acts and fans from across the country. Over the years, Lollapalooza has evolved, expanding its lineup to include a wide range of genres and becoming a global phenomenon. However, the spirit of the original 1991 tour remains a defining moment in music history, symbolizing the rise of alternative rock and the enduring appeal of live music festivals.