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Lollapalooza Fri Jul 15 2011
Lollapalooza Artist Preview: A Perfect Circle and Afrojack
We wrap up our introduction to some of our spotlighted Lollapalooza artist with a supergroup and a house DJ that will keep Grant Park dancing late into the night. The bill this year serves up an eclectic mix of genres and styles, and these two artist represent a taste of the diversity of the festival line-up this year. Check out videos and previews after the jump.
A Perfect Circle
A Perfect Circle is the perfect example of a what happens when musicians have a little extra free time. The band was formed after Billy Howerdel, a guitar tech for such major acts as Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins, and Tool, was staying with his friend and Tool frontman, Maynard James Keenan. Howerdel played Keenan, some demos of his own work, Keenan liked what he heard, and the two created a group with a who's who list of rock musician royalty. Numerous musicians have worked on A Perfect Circle, from one time or another the band included members of The Vandals, Smashing Pumpkins, and Primus. There are bands that are truly a musicians band, one that other musicians really appreciate because of the quality of playing and production. The music might have been dark and powerful, but there was still a high quality that came across their entire catalog.
But like most "super groups" scheduling conflicts with other projects got in the way, and the band fizzled in 2005. A Perfect Circle never disbanded, it just took a long break to work on other projects. The future of the band is always up in the air, but for now fans are happy to be able to see the act live once again.
Watch the video for their song "3 Libras" from their debut album Mer de Noms below.
Afrojack
Like most jet-setting DJs, Afrojack keeps his plate full, flying around the world to play at numerous clubs and festivals and collaborating with some of the biggest names in pop. The Dutch house DJ and producer is best known for his club banger "Take Over Control" but he's also one of the artist responsible for Beyonce's hit single "Run the World (Girls)," which he worked on with other DJ powerhouses Diplo and Switch. Whatever he cranks out, expect to hear his sleek and polished house sound as a personal signature of his work.
Like most acts playing the dance tent Lolla weekend, if you check out Afrojack's set, make sure to be ready to bust a few moves. You don't end up in a crowd full of house music fans and not expect to dance, it's only polite to comply, throw your hands in the air, and dance the rest of the night away.
Watch the video for Afrojack's track "Take Over Control" featuring Eva Simons.