Pitchfork is one of the best music festivals in the world for seeing new artists and soon-to-be superstars, but this year’s lineup also features a large contingent of living legends. Here’s a look at five must-see icons to check out in Union Park from July 14-16.
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic
If you’re ready to get funked up, prepare for the Mothership to land on Saturday afternoon as the original “Atomic Dog” himself, George Clinton, and his insanely talented band, Parliament Funkadelic, are set to take the Green Stage for what will surely be a set full of Funkentelechy. “Flashlight,” “Bop Gun” and “Up for the Down Stroke” are just a few of P-Funk’s fun and funky hits guaranteed to help you fight off the Placebo Syndrome and have the time of your life.
PJ Harvey
Alt-rock goddess PJ Harvey was named the Best New Artist by Rolling Stone Magazine back in 1992 following the release of her captivating debut album, Dry. 10 albums and 25 years later, she is now considered one of the best performers, poets and songwriters on the planet. Don’t miss her set on the Red Stage at 7:25 p.m. on July 15.
Thurston Moore Group
In many ways, Thurston Moore is the quintessential Pitchfork artist perpetually armed with fuzzy guitar riffs, subtle melodies and expressive lyrics. The influence of Sonic Youth spans across the festival’s 2017 lineup, so expect to see other artists watching from side stage when the Thurston Moore Group performs on the Red Stage on Friday night during the festivities.
A Tribe Called Quest
Influential doesn’t even begin to explain the effect that A Tribe Called Quest has had on the world of hip-hop. Each of their albums is a masterpiece in its own right, including 2016’s We Got It From Here… Thank You 4 Your Service which was released following the death of Phife Dawg who passed away earlier that year. Q-Tip has stated that the release is their final album and that this may be their final tour, so do what ever it takes – no matter “what’s the scenario” – to be at the Green Stage at 8:30 on July 15.
LCD Soundsystem
It’s been seven long years since LCD Soundsystem performed a blissful headlining set at the Pitchfork Music Festival back in 2010. Every time James Murphy and company dive into their deep catalog of hypnotic, euphoric dance-jams for a live show, fans are transported to a wonderful place where music can cure the ills of the world, if only for a moment. Head over to the Green Stage at 8:10 on the opening night of the festivities to get lost in the “Movement” as you “Dance Yrself Clean.”
Head over to Pitchfork.com to check out the full schedule and click here to pick-up tickets to the three-day festival.