Lollapalooza 2013 Recap: Day Two

By Gene Wagendorf III    

Lollapalooza 2013 | Photo Credit: Ashley Garmon

The biggest story of the second day of Lollapalooza was that of a band that didn't even bother to show up. Noise-rap outfit Death Grips bailed on their fans at an official Lolla after party at Bottom Lounge Friday night, and according to festival reps "chose not to show up" for their set Saturday night in Grant Park. As much as certain corners of the internet were buzzing about the fiasco, not much of the festival crowd seemed to even notice, which is a perfectly fitting reaction for what looks like a shitty publicity stunt. Now, on to the bands that did play.

Charles Bradley

Charles Bradley | Photo Credit: Matt Ellis

64 year old former James Brown impersonator Charles Bradley made instant fans out of the huge crowd that turned out for his show on Lolla's Bud Light stage. The singer's larger than life stage presence was only upstaged by his grizzled, seductive voice; as punchy as Brown's but as tender as that of Otis Redding. The band behind him walked the line between subtly and braggadocio, content to serve as the backdrop for Bradley's crooning while ready to shine a little when he decided to dance or take off into the crowd. The music was classic soul, strolling along almost effortlessly before erupting into cathartic fits. Love was a common theme, but Bradley's proclamations seemed directed as much at the crowd as any muse. He took being appreciative of his audience to a whole new level when, at sets end, he bolted off the stage into the crowd, shaking hands and hugging as many people as possible. For a talent as big as Bradley's to toil in obscurity for so long, his performance at Lollapalooza was a well earned spotlight moment. He more than delivered.