Lollapalooza festival was forced to postpone on Saturday [August 4] for several hours as heavy thunderstorms rolled into Chicago.

At around 3:30pm local time, festival organisers announced an evacuation of the site after weather warnings had been given from the National Weather Service of severe storms approaching. Punters were urged to move to pre-determined, underground evacuation zones.

In a statement, posted on the festival website, communications director Shelby Meade said: “Our first priority is always the safety of our fans, staff and artists. We regret having to suspend any show, but safety always comes first.”

Organisers then released a further statement at 6pm, announcing that the festival would resume following the brief postponement and that a new schedule had been drawn-up for the bands who were due to play during the delay.

Among the sets that were disrupted by the weather, Alabama Shakes were forced to cancel theirs completely.

They tweeted this apology to fans:

Alabama Shakes

✔

@Alabama_Shakes

Sorry Chicago, we were really pumped to play for you all but the storm had other plans. We will be back to make it up for you!

5 Aug 12 ReplyRetweetFavorite

Some bands took the initiative to perform short sets to the evacuated fans. Folk-pop group The Dunwells played an impromptu gig at the Hilton’s Normandie Lounge to waiting punters. Like, Alabama Shakes their set was also cancelled.

B.o.B, The Temper Trap were among the artists who had their scheduled slots nixed by the afternoon thunderstorms.

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