We may be in the thick of winter with frequent bouts of cold rain and snow, but with initial lineup for Pitchfork already announced, it’s not too early to start thinking about who will play Lollapalooza this year, right?  The festival, typically scheduled for the hottest weekend of the summer, will take place once again in Grant Park, August 6-8.

Already a variety of leaks/rumors/gossip/blog posts/statements are leading to widespread conjecture about who will play at the festival this year.  And since many of you out there may have already purchased a ticket, it’s only fair to fill you in on what might go down.

According to this Japan Zone report, Yoskiki, the drummer and leader of the legendary visual kei metal band X Japan, told reporters while on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards last weekend that the group would be playing its first shows ever in America here at the fest this summer.

This article points to an appearance by Drive By Truckers, and B.o.B. aka Bobby Ray made it known he’ll be playing on August 6 via his MySpace page. From the looks of this release, expect The Cribs to hit the main stage and this one indicates Hockey will perform.

And here’s news from a little birdie that Pearl Jam, Them Crooked Vultures and a reunited Soundgarden will include stops at the festival on their tours.