Fresh off the viral buzz of their breakout hit “BETTER” — and a co-sign from Lil Jon — Southern California alt-pop disruptors People R Ugly landed in Chicago ready to turn Lollapalooza into their own block party. Their latest single, “THINKIN BOUT YOU,” a sun-soaked, groove-heavy ode to moving on, proved to be the perfect soundtrack for the August heat. From morning coffee runs downtown to soundcheck against the city’s skyline, the day built toward a high-voltage set where thousands sang the hook back in unison: “One thing’s true, I’m not thinkin’ bout you.”

For People R Ugly, Lolla was more than a festival slot — it was a milestone. With Warped Tour Orlando on deck and their debut album dropping this fall, the duo are turning viral moments into real-world domination. Whether blasting through headphones or lighting up a festival crowd, they’ve made it clear: healing can hit just as hard as heartbreak, and People R Ugly are here to make it sound even better.

The band takes 1883 on stage with them for their set at Lollapalooza and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what life looks like at a festival.

You know we had to write some sneaky messages on the Lolla posters…

..and also sign the Lolla bass drum

Zak trying to figure out what instrument this is right before our set started.

Boy isn’t our guitarist cute???

Our new song ‘THINKIN BOUT YOU’ is a dance song (if you couldn’t tell)

Surprise Guest: Tom from the Plain White T’s!

You bet your ass we convinced him on the spot to play ‘Hey There Delilah‘

I think the crowd liked us for whatever reason…

This view was so surreal

Zak watching Tristan play a drum solo like Rose in The Titanic

If you caught this drumstick, can I have it back pls? I have no more.

Find us on socials @peoplerugly and follow along.

Words Kelsey Barnes