Like peanut butter and jelly, the Hard Rock provided Lollapalooza with the ultimate combination. The hotel provided VIP Concert goers and musicians a haven all weekend long.
Every morning, the festivities would start at 11 with a brunch of soups, sandwiches, wraps, and salads while artists such as Chicago locals, Black Box and Set in Color would take the stage. This was a perfect opportunity for artists, VIPs, and members of the media to recharge before heading down to Grant Park.
Aside from the acoustic performances and lunch, guests were treated to a gifting suite filled with new Dickies jeans, and merchandise. After loading up with jeans, t-shirts, and sunglasses on the second floor of the hotel, the fourth floor would be the next destination.
The fourth floor of the hotel was littered with cameras and tv interviews. However, that didn’t stop people from getting complimentary hair cuts, messages, facials. and even tattoos! With all of this going on, it was hard to rip yourself away from this haven to endure the rising temperatures of the weekend. As the weekend progressed, and concert goers became more worn down by heat, drinking, and exhaustion, the Hard Rock was the best option for retreat or shelter from the wild, unpredictable weather. Ironically, the Living Things were even caught sipping on a few cocktails as the rain poured down. The following day, they included their recent single, “Let It Rain”, into their Lolla set list. The Living Things weren’t the only musicians that showed up to enjoy the party. Andrew Bird, Danny Masterson, and even Lindsay Lohan were spotted partying.
The daytime festivities would wrap up and would reconvene around 10 each night. During the Rock the Vote nights at the Music Lounge, sets were played by Peter Bjorn and John, The Virgins, DJ Momjeans. (Danny Masterson), Santigold, Band of Skulls, and Ra Ra Riot to name a few. There was never a dull moment, or a questionable lack of energy. There is no doubt that the Hard Rock knows how throw a proper party. From the beginning to the end of the weekend there was not one complaint to be had
For a concert goer who is used to great amenities that large cities have to offer, and who doesn't have the stamina or patience for the constant changing weather, and crowds, the Hard Rock provided a nice get away that I needed. However, when I over slept Saturday and missed my free facial, I did feel guilty for complaining. I was even considering another tattoo, as it seemed that no one was partaking in the more permanent luxuries. The party was inviting, and everyone who worked the event was friendly and helpful. It made it pretty hard to tear away and head down to the park. Why travel and see the bands in the sweltering heat when you could see them at the nightly parties? To be at these parties you knew you had hit the jackpot of all access. Being so close to the fairgrounds, it was so nice to flash a pass and gather yourself. This is the yearly Lollapalloza party that everyone needs to be at.
Melissa is a Chicago native and currently resides in New York working in the music industry.
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