Video has emerged of numerous music-lovers attempting to make their entrance into Chicago’s Lollapalooza festival by jumping the fence.
For as long as music festivals have existed, people have wanted to attend no matter what they have to do.
Sure, you can try sneaking in with some smooth-talking, or you can try to slip multiple people in by using the classic trenchcoat disguise, or you can try something a bit less cerebral – like fence jumping.
We’ve seen it happen numerous times in Australia, but fence jumping is just one of the reasons that almost every festival you go to is surrounding by a labyrinthine mess of fences and high barriers, making it harder for those without tickets to find their way in via unethical methods.
However, this year’s Lollapalooza lineup has clearly been too good for fans to ignore, with video emerging showing countless punters attempting to hop the fence to watch the likes of Childish Gambino, The Strokes, Tame Impala, and Flume.
Youths storm the gates of #Lollapalooza as a practice run for the raid on #Area51 pic.twitter.com/ZsV4ZD7Nom
— Tobangya Lawrence (@the_ceejay) August 2, 2019
Footage shared on social media depicts numerous prospective festivalgoers seemingly rushing the perimeter fence in what appears to be an organised attempt to overwhelm security with the ol’, “they can’t stop us all” routine.
However, a later statement offered up by Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications indicates that for however much of an organised attempt this might have been, it was ultimately unsuccessful, with no one actually making it in.
“Just after 2pm today, approximately 50 people attempted to breach an exterior perimeter fence at Michigan Ave. and Balbo Drive,” the statement read.
“Both CPD and festival security responded immediately to the situation and resolved it within moments. As a result, no one was able to gain entry to the festival.”
Speaking to ABC7, some concertgoers were asked about these antics, with some noting it’s not exactly new behaviour for the crowd.
“I mean, it’s been happening for years,” explained Carolyn Climack. “In recent years harder to do so, but apparently can still be done.”
“Obviously it’s not good,” added Tyler Rodriguez. “These festivals try and stay nice and organised, especially with all the chaos that’s been going on in the world that everyone is trying to rush in.”
Whatever the case, maybe if you’re unable to enter a festival through legal means, skip the arrest and listen to your favourite acts on Spotify instead?
Check out Tame Impala at Lollapalooza:
