Will ‘Lolla’ Bypass Blockbuster?

With such acts as Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins signed on, “Lollapalooza ‘94” shapes up as a blockbuster, right?

Maybe not.

Facilities owned by the Blockbuster Corporation--including the Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavilion in Devore as well as Phoenix and Charlotte, N.C. venues--have apparently been under consideration as sites for the cross-country rock ‘n’ roll caravan this summer.

But some of the acts, including Nirvana, have reportedly expressed objections to playing sites owned by the Blockbuster video chain. Specifically, some artists and their representatives have privately complained about what they see as a “double standard” in Blockbuster’s refusal to carry videos deemed unsuitable due to sexual content, while not banning violent videos.

John Silva, who manages Nirvana, had no comment, noting only that no sites had been set for the tour, which is expected to begin in early July. The lineup is expected to also include the Beastie Boys and the Breeders (also both managed by Silva), plus Nick Cave, George Clinton and a Tribe Called Quest.

Hal Lazareff, who books the Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavilion, confirmed that there have been discussions about “Lollapalooza” playing there, but he said no political concerns have been raised.

The matter may end up being moot in Southern California, as most insiders are betting on “Lollapalooza” choosing the more open Cal State Dominguez Hills fields. Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre (the site in 1991 and 1992) is also a possibility.

“Lollapalooza” spokeswoman Heidi Robinson says that the tour’s organizers hope that politics will not enter into the planning of the shows.

Lollapalooza co-founder Perry Farrell’s idea, she says, “was to promote discussion, not to have ‘Lolla’ take a side. He wants to offer information on all sides of the arguments and let people make up their own minds.”