Story thread · 2 reports / 2 sources

Review: It's Finn Wolfhard's first Lolla, but he's no stranger to Chicago

wbez.org · 10dShare

With memories still fresh from Djo’s Lolla love fest in 2025, another “Stranger Things” star tried to fill the gap on Friday – albeit, with a very different style of music. Finn Wolfhard — known for playing character Mike Wheeler — made his real-life solo festival debut here in Chicago, which makes sense when you consider the city has become a special spot in his music career. Wolfhard’s 2025 debut “Happy Birthday” was recorded in town with co-producer Kai Slater and instrumentalists Asher Case and Isaac Lowenstein (all from the local band Lifeguard) as well as Sofia Jensen from Chicago’s Free Range . “Happy Birthday” and its quick follow-up, “Fire from the Hip,” which was just released July 10, also feature the handiwork of Twin Peaks guitarist Cadien Lake James, who has long been Wolfhard’s mentor. There’s also a sub-context to the young talent’s music: his great love of Chicago titans Wilco. Finn Wolfhard performs on the Airbnb stage on day two of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Friday,

First report: Review: It's Finn Wolfhard's first Lolla, but he's no stranger to Chicago — suntimes.com, 10d