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SB19, Sombr, Wet Leg And Empire Of The Sun Kick Off Lollapalooza 2026
Hollywood & Entertainment SB19, Sombr, Wet Leg And Empire Of The Sun Kick Off Lollapalooza 2026 By Jim Ryan ,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about the business of music Follow Author Jul 31, 2026, 04:51pm EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . Summary Lollapalooza Chicago kicked off with a historic debut by Filipino boy band SB19, the first Southeast Asian act to perform at the festival. Their energetic, hip-hop and EDM-infused set included their new single "LAWLESS," captivating a crowd waving Filipino flags. Members emphasized music's power to connect diverse cultures. Other highlights included Australian duo Empire of the Sun, who praised the festival's iconic status, and New York artist sombr, who performed his hit "undressed" and brought out 5 Seconds of Summer. Local DJ John Summit delivered a pyro-fueled homecoming set, while indie rockers Wet Leg and Swedish post-punks Viagra Boys also entertained the day one crowds, showcasing Lollapalooza's diverse lineup and unifying spirit.
“Lollapalooza!” shouted vocalist Justin on stage in Chicago as Filipino boy band SB19 made its Lollapalooza debut Thursday afternoon. “Are you ready? I love the energy!”
SB19 made history Thursday in Grant Park, a performance which now stands as the first by a southeast Asian artist in Lollapalooza’s more than two decades as a destination festival in Chicago.
Flanked by a troupe of backup dancers, the five members of SB19 tore through a one hour mid-afternoon set on the Allianz stage, a masterfully choreographed performance steeped in hip-hop, pop and EDM sounds, delivering a set that seems destined for bigger stages later in the day at a festival near you and soon.
Moving from “Gento” early in the set, SB19 performed their latest single “ LAWLESS ” for the first time ahead of today’s release of the new track.
“It was really amazing,” said vocalist Josh backstage following the set. “It was actually nerve wracking at first. But once we got to the stage, we were just having fun. We were just being lawless all of the time,” he said referencing the new single .
“This Lollapalooza stage is really big for us,” added Justin. “So, we should not take that for granted. We should do our best. And do more.”
Despite high temps as Lollapalooza kicked off Thursday in the Windy City, SB19 tore through their performance in front of a raucous crowd, many waving the flag of the Philippines as the P-pop group’s lyrics appeared on screen in both English and Filipino.
“Music has that power to really connect people,” explained Pablo backstage. “Even though we have different languages, when you listen to a certain music, you feel the same emotion the song is trying to convey. And, so, through that, we’re able to connect to each other. And through these kind of festivals, like Lollapalooza, we get to see each other and have that connection and have that energy. And it’s just amazing to be in the flesh and hear amazing artists and share different cultures and different music together.”
The idea of music bringing people together during divisive times was a concept that manifested itself throughout day one at Lollapalooza.
Earlier this month, Australian indie pop duo Empire of the Sun released their latest single, “ Llego ,” a collaboration with Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean that dropped as part of the FIFA World Cup soundtrack. Not unlike the international soccer tournament itself, music helps further celebrate the ideas of culture and unity.
“With everything happening in the world, music is still the strongest conduit for soothing people’s souls. And I always want to be part of the next biggest thing on the planet. Because that’s what excites me,” said Empire of the Sun vocalist Luke Steele backstage Thursday, prior to a one hour set on the Bud Light north main stage.
In 2010, Empire of the Sun made its North American debut on stage at Lollapalooza in Chicago, with the festival itself conjuring up a number of memories for Steele.
“It’s always been an incredible festival. We did the one in Chile one year. And I went to play one of Perry Farrell’s after parties,” he recalled. “He’s created something that’s just completely iconic. 35 years now running. It’s an institution in America.”
New York singer, songwriter and producer sombr was a highlight Thursday over the course of one hour on the Bud Light south main stage, building a bridge to a headlining Thursday night performance by New Zealand-born pop star Lorde.
Sombr’s breakout hit “undressed” recently eclipsed a billion streams on Spotify alone and Thursday afternoon the singer dropped the cut in front of a massive early afternoon crowd in Chicago. Shortly thereafter, sombr welcomed a guest to the stage, putting his spin on “She Looks so Perfect” alongside 5 Seconds of Summer.
“We feelin’ warmed up?” he asked to rapturous applause. “OK. We’re gonna take it down for a second before we get to the rest of the hits,” he continued, with resplendent synths soon setting up “Potential.”
Amidst a summer festival run, sombr is set to launch an arena tour in September, capitalizing on the massive success of his debut studio album I Barely Know Her .
“I just wanted to say thank you for coming to my set,” said sombr, nearing the end of Thursday’s Lollapalooza performance. “I’ve been in a dark mental state and this is helping so much,” he continued, setting up “back to friends.” “I wrote and produced this when I was 18. I want you to sing it if you know it!”
The south end of Grant Park was packed Thursday with sombr’s set giving way to one hour with Isle of Wight indie rockers Wet Leg, who wrapped up Thursday’s performance slate on the nearby Allianz stage.
“I don’t want your love, I just wanna fight!” cooed singer Rhian Teasdale, tearing into Thursday’s set via “catch these fists,” strapping on a guitar soon after as Wet Leg followed with...
LollapaloozaChicagoFilipinoWet LegJohn SummitEmpireSunViagra Boys LollapaloozaViagra Boys
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