It was started in 1991 by Perry Farrell , lead singer of Jane 's Addiction , as a farewell concert for his band . It happened every year until 1997 , then took a break until 2003 . Conceived and created in 1991 by Jane 's Addiction singer Perry Farrell as a farewell tour for his band , Lollapalooza ran annually until 1997 , and was revived in 2003 .