Why festivals like Lollapalooza abandoned rock, according to Thurston Moore

Founded in the United States in 1991, the Lollapalooza would serve as the farewell tour of the Jane’s Addiction – No wonder, the creator is the band’s singer, Perry Farrell. It became an annual festival, focusing on rock and its subgenres, especially from Seara Alternative/Indie.

As the advance of its editions, however, the event has a lineup more focused on pop music. This movement also occurred in achievements in other countries – such as Brazil, which has received the festival since 2012.

The next edition in our country, scheduled for March 2026, features only one rock headliner among the six: Deftonin the midst of Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler The Creator, Chappell Roan, Lord and Skrillex. As the lineup unfolds, there are attractions like Turnstile, Interpol and Viagra Boysbut the genre no longer occupies the same space of yore, in a similar scenario in the United States and other countries.

In an interview with Rolling Stone USA, Thurston Moorevocalist and guitarist of already closed Sonic Youthshared reflections on the subject. The “hook” of his statement is the American lolla, but the thought fits into other major festivals that are not littered.

For him, the audience no longer calls rock. At the same time, the “unique popstars” have gained even more strength, which favors, in their words, the creation of a “kind of Disneyified” scenario even in musical events.

“It’s the advent of the unique popstar surrounded by production, be they dancers, lights, movies and scenarios. In a way, it has become a little Disneyified and meets mass popularity like Disneyland.”

In his view, society as a whole “is not interested in rock, but in entertainment as a broader concept.” Artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan attract more attention than rock bands like LED ZEPPELIN and Pearl Jamcited nominally by the musician.

“It has a broader appeal than, say, a standard rock band. There are still rock bands, but they no longer play at Lollapalooza. Rock bands are no longer the success stories that have been.”

Thurston Moore approves pop artists

Despite adopting a seemingly critical tone, Thurston Moore does not repudiate the pop singers today. For him, Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan “are great artists” and “all these musicians are completely reliable.” Lana Del Rey It was another name highlighted by the member of the closed Sonic Youth.

“I just watched a Lana Del Rey show and it was amazing! There was a scenario of a farm house, and she walked inside and around, with dancers everywhere … I liked it. I like her music and I like what she does aesthetically.”

As for the mass success achieved by these artists, it is not negative for Moore. In his opinion, such singers “are not limited to rude entertainment.”

“More power for them. It’s not really my kind of music. And I certainly don’t look for this kind of mass acceptance. I know it would be great for my pocket, but taking it away …”

Rock did not die, just not in Lollapalooza

As highlighted by Thurston Moore, rock is still alive and occupying other spaces other than the great festivals. The artist, today in a solo career, sees that there is demand for organic bands playing in more intimate environments.

“There is still a demographic group of young people interested in experimental rock and anything that comes from punk culture. It’s no big deal like Olivia Rodrigo… For me, it was always cool to have a modest existence in this regard.”

+++ Read more: the biggest differences between Lollapalooza and Rock in Rio, according to Lolla director
+++ Read more: how much was cost of the first lollapalooza – in updated value for 2025
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+++ Follow journalist Igor Miranda @igormirandasite on Instagram

• Lollapalooza

• Sonic Youth

• Thurston Moore