Olivia Rodrigo joins Smashing Pumpkins at Lollapalooza
The music world is a place where surprises are the secret spice of the experience, and at Lollapalooza 2026, that spirit was absolutely ignited. Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo delivered an unforgettable performance by taking the stage for some of the genre’s most legendary alt-rock icons.
The festival experience took a spectacular turn when Rodrigo joined The Smashing Pumpkins during their headlining set on Friday (7/31). Amidst the rain, she stepped in to perform on the epic track “Thirty-Three”, adding a layer of electric intensity to the evening.
The collaborative magic didn’t stop there. The Pumpkins welcomed another unexpected guest when Yungblud joined them for an electrifying rendition of “Luna”. Adding to the night’s spontaneous lineup, former bassist Melissa Auf der Maur also stepped out to perform the final song, “The Everlasting Gaze”.
This latest appearance is part of a striking pattern. Rodrigo has carved out a reputation for bringing out major rock figures in unexpected ways. Last year at Lollapalooza, she brought out Weezer to perform their “Blue Album” tracks, and she also made history by inviting Robert Smith of The Cure to join her on stage at Glastonbury.
It’s clear that Rodrigo has a knack for connecting the dots between generations of music. The influence she draws from bands like The Smashing Pumpkins and Foo Fighters is palpable, echoing in artists across the spectrum. This knack for cross-pollination transforms performances into shared, generational celebrations.
The evening’s soundtrack, featuring these legendary guests, was carefully crafted, with The Smashing Pumpkins closing out their setlist with a powerful sequence that included the surprise collaboration. For those who want to dive into the full scope of the performance, the complete setlist for The Smashing Pumpkins at Lollapalooza 2026 is available, featuring tracks like “Bullet With Butterfly Wings” and the collaborative centerpiece, “Thirty-Three.”
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