Photography by Bobby Talamine Writing and Editing by Fiza Javid Grant Park - Sunday August 6, 2023 I need to throw a Happy Fit for the final day of Lollapalooza 2023. I can't stop, I'm addicted to the shindig. Although the weather had us all tip toeing around Grant Park, we squished our shoes in determination for the pure adrenaline of this final day. JBTV followed many incredible artists that were purely worth the photo highlights: Ingrid Andress, the Happy Fits, Matroda, DEHD, Magdalena Bay, Mt. Joy, Afrojack, A Boogie with Da Hoodie, and the ultimate spice in the form of Red Hot Chili Peppers, who officially saw the return of legendary guitarist John Frusciante a year ago. We wishfully drank up the moments of Ingrid Andress as she performed her incredible hits "Wishful Drinking" and "Feel Like This" prior to the adrenaline that kicked in for the excitement of the Happy Fits. She was truly a joyful start to the day and she showcased just how easily country music can fit into the Lolla atmosphere. Then through the mudslide we saw fans rush over to the Happy Fits. These rockstars, at first glance, could convince you that classical rock is their primary focus, however, their set proved just how much more original they are than that. The JBTV alums came to the JBTV studio in 2019 where they were already major showstoppers. Watching frontman Calvin Langman light up this stage from his soul, as he intensely strummed the cello, was like a dose of caffeine hitting the audience. Luke Davis's passion on the drum kit matched this level of joy. They were having so much fun up there and man we the audience were having just as much fun being able to witness this phenomenon. Particularly with "Heart of a Dancer" and "Grow Back" came on, every single song felt like a grand finale, with a set you would have never wished come to a conclusion. The only mistake is that Lollapalooza didn't put them on the T-Mobile stage prior to Red Hot Chili Peppers, since their virtuoso musicality and originality would make them the ultimate opener for RHCP. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if RHCP opened for them. These are true artists we are witnessing shoot to the moon. Raina Mullen was rocking out in guitar. We definitely missed Ross Monteith, but to see the charisma and true talent that was Raina Mullen (who is also the guitarist and singer for philly based band Ghost Light) was what made this set all the more perfect. Before I end up writing a dissertation, I'll sing my praises. Dehd came in full attitude and made a wave of new fans, they had the greatest showmanship. Mt. Joy was the ultimate mushroom trip with their purely mesmerizing kaleidoscope backdrop hypnotizing us to their music. Their covers of "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers and "Crazy" by Gnarles Barkley added to this ultimate vibe. Magdalena Bay busted out a keytar and was in her element through her incredible set. Afrojack remixed us into oblivion as he got the party into full swing closer to the evening, with his major hit "Turn Up The Speakers" and "Rock the House" getting everyone moving. The Boogie with Da Hoodie was a true surprise. The rapper had the audience bopping in unison and screaming along like no other. Then there was the anticipation for Red Hot Chili Peppers. That hour waiting for them to come on felt like a lifetime due to the excitement. Nothing is more magical than a RHCP jam session. What truly sets them apart as live performers from the entire world of legends they are part of is their ability to jam out in front of a live audience. Their jams along tailors a truly unique experience for their fans that doesn't just repeat what they recorded on to their albums, along with the unpredictability of what any one of them might say, Flea burst into handstands at moments along with a pirate theme spoken word section that had our eyes truly locked with fervor. And just when you think they might only just play their funky hits like "Can't Stop" or "Dani California" they bust out the vibing jam session of a lifetime. The intro to "Californication" had a three-minute showcase of John Frusciante playing against Flea's bass. They faced each other and just made pure magic happen. This was like watching a songwriting session right before our eyes and showed...this band didn't copy anyone. They were never a gimmick. They were destined to be exactly who they are: pure musicians through and through. Frusciante showcased just how iconic and mastermind he is with melody, and Flea is a bass-line mastermind. Combine that with the vocals and forever rock hard persona of Anthony and the endless cardio bashing drum skills of Chad, and its no wonder these guys will never go out of style, ever. They proved that they couldn't pretend. They hear the music. Their rehearsals are out of this world, and we are lucky enough we get to be in on it. Thats the feeling they invoke, along with the intensive history their breakups and emotions reunions have given us. It is a gift that they were able to return to Lollapalooza and give Chicago the performance of a lifetime, which crazy enough, included a cover of the Clash's "London Calling" as an intro to "Right on Time." This was a season that will never be forgotten. While next year will also give us a highly anticipated 3 part docuseries of the story of Lollapalooza on Paramount+, we will be eager for that lineup ASAP. Until next year! Is it 2024 yet? Signing off. Fiza Javid - JBTV Music Television Lollapalooza, 2023, Bobby Talamine, Fiza Javid, JBTV Music Television, The Happy Fits, Mt Joy, Boogie With the Hoodie, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Anthony Kiedis, Chas, Flea, John Frusciante, Chicago, Live Music
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