Lollapalooza finds a seemingly permanent home in Chicago

It is entirely fitting that Lollapalooza should have settled, somewhat permanently, in Chicago.

Because the original Lollapalooza wasn't Perry Farrell's traveling alternative-rock extravaganza and phantasmagoria of the early '90s; it was Chicago's annual First Ward Ball of a century ago, when politicos "Bathhouse" John Coughlin and Michael "Hinky Dink" Kenna would play host to the city's most notorious and nefarious criminals in shenanigans infamous for their debauchery.

"It's a lollapalooza!" Kenna was quoted as saying in the midst of a particularly rowdy affair. "There are more here than ever before. ... Chicago ain't no sissy town."

The current-day Lollapalooza might pale next to those bawdy balls. In fact, with its corporate sponsors, well-established headliners and single, central, Midwestern location, it pales next to the original Lollapalooza road carnivals of Pearl Jam and the Smashing Pumpkins. Yet, as an outdoor rock fest, it still ain't for no sissies. With well over 100 bands and disc jockeys playing on eight stages (and an autograph tent) over three days and nights, it can test the endurance of the most hardened veteran concertgoer.

And if those who saw the original rock Lollapalooza 18 years ago might well turn up their noses at the stages named after the sponsors for a beer, a computer-game system and a bottled water, and snort at crusty headliners like Depeche Mode, Kings of Leon, the aptly named Tool, Snoop Dogg and even the reunion of Farrell's own Jane's Addiction, which was on the first Lollapalooza tour, there's a fest within the fest that offers what Lollapalooza was invented for: to bring edgy, alternative, like-minded, if undeniably diverse bands and fans together in a celebration of the music.

How can anyone argue with a chance to see TV on the Radio, Vampire Weekend, Neko Case (no doubt with Chicago's own Kelly Hogan in tow), the Decemberists, Fleet Foxes, Santigold, the Raveonettes, Los Campesinos! and token all-time alternative-rock godfather Lou Reed in a single setting over a single weekend?

It is a lollapalooza - in the original sense of a gargantuan good time - and it suits Chicago. Grant Park has proved to be a lovely natural amphitheater in the five years it's been held there, with the skyline to the north and west complementing the museum campus to the south and the clear darkness by night and blue sky by day over Lake Michigan to the east. And with its central location, Chicago in general has proved to be an excellent gathering place for the tribes, not just nationally but internationally.

It's no accident that, when a prime corporate sponsor dropped out, Lollapalooza kowtowed to the Daley administration by renaming one stage Chicago 2016, to back the Olympic movement. Lollapalooza shows that Chicago has what it takes to play host to a world-class event, and it's encouraging that Farrell and his fest organizers have made it clear they want to be part of any Summer Games held in Chicago, all but signing a lease to hold the event here the next seven years and beyond.

So enjoy what we can now refer to as Chicago's very own Lollapalooza. In many ways, it's the biggest and the best of the summer rock festivals, and it's right here in our own downtown backyard. "Bathhouse John" and "Hinky Dink" woulda been proud. And if they'd be a little disappointed at the lack of utter debauchery, even they probably never saw so many tattoos.