Lollapalooza Berlin 2024 was a monumental event, packed with stellar performances, surprise collaborations, and unforgettable crowd moments. Held over the weekend of September 7-8 at the iconic Olympiastadion and Olympiapark, the ninth edition of the festival attracted a vast, diverse audience. From international headliners to local indie sensations, here are the most impressive moments and highlights from this year’s festival.
1. OneRepublic’s Show-Stopping Set
OneRepublic delivered one of the festival’s standout performances on Saturday evening. With a setlist full of their greatest hits, including “Counting Stars” and “Apologize,” they managed to engage the massive crowd from start to finish. Lead singer Ryan Tedder took a moment to surprise fans with an intimate “concert within a concert,” where he showcased his songwriting achievements for global superstars such as Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Adele. This rare glimpse into Tedder’s behind-the-scenes contributions to modern pop music added an unexpected and highly appreciated layer to their performance.
The band’s charm and energy kept the crowd singing and dancing throughout, solidifying their reputation as a festival favorite. OneRepublic’s performance was the perfect combination of crowd interaction, musical storytelling, and high-energy hits, making it one of the most memorable sets of the weekend.
2. Louis Tomlinson’s Emotional Connection with Fans
Former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson also took to the stage on Saturday, drawing a huge crowd of fans who had been eagerly awaiting his performance. Tomlinson delivered a heartfelt set that included songs from his solo career, such as “Walls” and “Bigger Than Me.” His emotional connection with the audience was clear, as fans sang along to every lyric, some even shedding tears of joy.
Tomlinson’s performance highlighted his evolution as an artist post-One Direction. His strong vocals and genuine interaction with the audience resonated deeply, creating a special moment that was equal parts nostalgic and forward-looking. This performance not only showcased his musical growth but also reaffirmed the loyalty of his fanbase.
3. Martin Garrix Closes Day 1 with Explosive Energy
Martin Garrix, one of the world’s top DJs, delivered a thrilling finale on Saturday night. His high-energy set, packed with EDM hits like “Animals” and “Scared to Be Lonely,” transformed the Olympiastadion into a massive dance party. The Dutch DJ brought the night to life with stunning visuals, explosive pyrotechnics, and fireworks that lit up the Berlin sky.
While his set included some newer tracks, it was his classic hits that really ignited the crowd. Though some attendees mentioned they wished for more variation in his setlist, there’s no denying that Garrix’s ability to hype up a crowd is unmatched. The combination of music, lights, and energy made it a spectacular end to the first day of Lollapalooza.
4. SEVENTEEN’s Historic K-Pop Headlining Moment
One of the festival’s most groundbreaking moments came when SEVENTEEN, a 13-member K-pop boy band, took the stage as the first K-pop headliner in Lollapalooza Berlin’s history. Their performance was a whirlwind of high-energy choreography, seamless harmonies, and electrifying stage presence. SEVENTEEN performed some of their biggest hits like “HOT” and “Left & Right,” captivating both die-hard fans and those new to their music.
SEVENTEEN’s performance symbolized K-pop’s increasing global reach and influence. The group’s seamless coordination, combined with their charismatic stage presence, left an indelible mark on the festival. It was a powerful moment that highlighted the diversity of this year’s lineup and the broadening appeal of K-pop on the global stage.
5. German Indie Bands Steal the Spotlight
Lollapalooza Berlin isn’t just about international superstars—local talent also had a chance to shine. German indie bands like Jeremias and Von Wegen Lisbeth delivered electrifying performances that were among the festival’s most talked-about moments. Jeremias, known for their infectious indie-pop, collaborated with rapper Ski Aggu on stage, bringing an unexpected dynamic to their set. They also performed their new emotional track “Meer” for the first time, sending the crowd on a reflective journey.
Von Wegen Lisbeth, another Berlin favorite, played to a massive audience on the Main Stage South. Their eclectic mix of indie-pop sounds and unconventional instruments—such as steel drums and glockenspiels—made for a unique and captivating performance. Hits like “Wenn Du Tanzt” had the audience in a dancing frenzy, solidifying their reputation as one of Germany’s most beloved indie acts.
6. The Alternative Stage Surprises
For fans seeking something different from the mainstage acts, the Alternative Stage provided a platform for up-and-coming artists. Sam Tompkins, a rising star known for his soulful voice, delivered one of the most intimate performances of the weekend. His heartfelt renditions and deeply personal lyrics connected with the audience on a profound level, making his set feel like a private acoustic session despite the large crowd.
Room27 also made waves on the Alternative Stage with their infectious energy and melodic indie-rock tunes. The vibe was nothing short of joyous as festival-goers danced and sang along, proving that the festival’s smaller stages can be just as exciting and memorable as the main ones.
7. Family-Friendly Fun at Kidzapalooza
One of the features that makes Lollapalooza Berlin unique is its inclusivity, particularly its dedication to family-friendly programming. Kidzapalooza, a section of the festival designed specifically for children, allowed parents to enjoy the festival while their little ones engaged in fun, music-themed activities. This aspect of the festival contributed to its welcoming atmosphere, making it an event that truly catered to all ages.
Kidzapalooza featured a variety of interactive performances, games, and workshops, ensuring that even the youngest festival-goers had a memorable experience. This family-friendly approach helped solidify Lollapalooza’s reputation as one of the most inclusive and diverse music festivals in Europe.
8. Atmosphere and Audience Response
Overall, Lollapalooza Berlin 2024 was a resounding success. The festival benefitted from great weather, well-organized logistics, and a diverse lineup that ensured there was something for every type of music fan. The crowd’s energy was palpable throughout the weekend, with fans arriving early and staying late to catch every moment of the action.
Audience responses on social media highlighted the festival’s excellent curation of artists and the vibrant atmosphere that made the event unforgettable. While some minor complaints arose about crowded areas, most attendees praised the festival for its smooth execution and the impressive range of music genres on display. Lollapalooza Berlin continues to set the bar high for European music festivals, delivering a truly world-class experience.
Final Thoughts
Lollapalooza Berlin 2024 was a spectacular celebration of music, creativity, and community. With a lineup that spanned multiple genres, surprise collaborations, and performances that brought the crowd to life, the festival solidified its place as a must-attend event. Whether it was the nostalgia-inducing sets from international headliners, the innovative performances from indie bands, or the cultural impact of K-pop, Lollapalooza Berlin once again proved why it’s a festival like no other. The balance between global stars and local talent, alongside its inclusive and family-friendly approach, ensures that Lollapalooza will remain a staple of the European festival scene for years to come.
