The Music's In Tents

Farrell's pulse will certainly be picked up. ''I think the younger concertgoer today is just more aware,'' says Link. ''People seem to be more intelligent and concerned about the issues.... Today there's a lot more interest in change, and more people are getting involved.''

That's not to say that the pierced-navel crowd will entirely forsake their grungy megastars. (Lollapalooza organizers claim that the role of edgier Second Stage acts will be expanded this year.) But, as part and parcel of the very notion of a fest, the more-is-merrier ethos will enliven this season's offering. After all, as Dorf says, ''An abundance of talent all under one ticket — that's a festival.''

(Additional reporting by Jason Cochran)