Eminem has only played a handful of live gigs as he revels in a career revival thanks to his Recovery album. That renaissance could reach its peak on Sunday at the Grammys, where he is nominated for a leading 10 awards and has the chance to take home his first Album of the Year honor.
He may also notch another first this summer, according to the Chicago Tribune, which reported that Slim Shady will be among the headliners of this year's Lollapalooza festival. Citing unnamed "reliable industry sources," the paper said that the Detroit MC could top a bill that also will reportedly include the Foo Fighters — who also would be making their first trip to the legendary festival — as well as British trio Muse, who played on the Chicago waterfront at the 2007 edition of the three-day gathering.
The festival appearance, if true, would fit with Eminem's recent sparse concert schedule. Since getting clean nearly two years ago, the rapper has avoided going out on extended world or national tours, preferring to do a handful of headlining dates and big festival appearances. They've included dates at the 2009 Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans, a series of historic shows in Detroit and New York with Jay-Z last September and a headlining gig at the Epicenter Festival in his hometown later that month.
In some ways, Eminem's reluctance to go out on a full tour has only made the reclusive rapper more alluring to his fans. And while he hasn't been gracing too many concert stages of late, he did make news this week with a pair of high-profile TV commercials that aired during the Super Bowl.
A spokesperson for Lollapalooza had no comment on the reported lineup. The Tribune also cited several other unnamed industry sources saying that Lolla veterans Girl Talk, Crystal Castles and Lykke Li are expected to be on the 100-plus-band bill, as well as three additional headlining acts and Best Coast. The full lineup of Lollapalooza 2011 will be announced in April. The event is scheduled for Aug. 5-7.
Would you make a trip to Lollapalooza this year to see Eminem or the other reported headliners? Tell us in the comments.