Lollapalooza Book Coming March 25 Reveals the History of Alternative Rock’s Wildest Festival
The book dives into the festival’s pioneering 1991-1997 era
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Lollapalooza: The Untold Story of Alternative Rock's Legendary Festival (St. Martin's Press; March 25, 2025) is a gripping chronicle by bestselling authors Richard Bienstock and Tom Beaujour (Nothin' But A Good Time), exploring the untamed history of the iconic festival. Drawing from hundreds of exclusive interviews with artists, creators, promoters, publicists, roadies, reporters, and more, the book dives into the festival’s pioneering 1991-1997 era, mapping the meteoric rise of alternative rock and its lasting impact on the music industry and culture as a whole.
The book features a foreword by Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil, alongside candid interviews with some of music’s biggest names, such as Perry Farrell and Jane's Addiction, Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, Sonic Youth, Tool, Smashing Pumpkins, Rage Against the Machine, Green Day, Metallica, Alice in Chains, and more.
Originally envisioned by Farrell as a farewell tour for Jane’s Addiction, the inaugural Lollapalooza tour across the U.S. in 1991 sparked a movement that transcended music, influencing fashion, film, television, literature, politics, and more. Over the years, the festival showcased a dynamic mix of genres—from alternative rock and heavy metal to punk, hip-hop, industrial, and electronic dance music, creating a blueprint for modern-day music festivals and influencing destination events globally.
Lollapalooza was unique not only for its musical lineup but also for promoting visual arts, social causes, and political movements. The festival offered a captivating blend of culture, activism, and art, which became synonymous with the alternative ethos of the '90s. Its impact is still felt today, as the flagship Chicago event draws an estimated 400,000 attendees each summer, securing its place as one of the largest and longest-running music festivals in the world.
Lollapalooza takes readers on a nostalgic journey through '90s music and culture, detailing the festival’s origins, evolution, and the explosive moments both onstage and behind the scenes. This is the definitive story of the Lollapalooza festival and the alternative rock revolution that shaped a generation.
LOLLAPALOOZA: The Uncensored Story Of Alternative Rock’s Wildest Festival is out 3/25 on St. Martin’s Press. Pre-order it HERE.
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