Farrell Talks Epic Jane's Addiction Set, Enduring Lure of Lollapalooza

Perry Farrell shouts out Lou Reed for his first-ever U.S. festival appearance and promises a spectacular set from Jane's Addiction at Lollapalooza (helicopters will be involved) during an on-the-scene chat with Rolling Stone. The recession has taken its toll on the live-music business, but Lollapalooza sold out for a second time this year and fest co-founder Farrell attributes the event's continuing success to the "high value for a person's dollar." Watch him talk about the unique Lolla experience for fans and artists above, and take a trip back through the festival's history here:
• Lollapalooza: The Life, Death and Rebirth of America's Storied Rock Festival

Plus, dive into this year's killer fest in Lollapalooza '09 photos.

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  MUSIC 100 Greatest Debut Albums
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  MOVIES 'Great Gatsby' Is a Crushing Disappointment
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  TV Why You Should Watch 'Happy Endings'
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  POLITICS No Price Big Banks Can't Fix

Song Stories

“The A Team”

Ed Sheeran | 2011

This debut track from the then-20-year-old British singer-songwriter has a dark story behind it. Sheeran says he culls songwriting inspiration from "viewing other people's situations," which, for the heroine in "The A Team," involves drug addiction and prostitution that began as a teen. Sheeran paints the woman's trials with haunting imagery such as "But lately her face seems/Slowly sinking, wasting/Crumbling like pastries." "I did a gig at a homeless shelter, [and the song] is about one of the women there. It's her story," he said.

More Song Stories entries »

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