Here’s something I know about capitalism: Rich people definitely care a lot about appearances, but appearances are never a substitute for money. It’s all money, money, money with those big wigs, so slow ticket sales for the 2024 edition of Coachella was bad news for the folks at AEG Live. Good news for attendees, though, as there were lots of surprise guests, and, assumingely, more room at the Empire Polo Grounds to enjoy said special treats with the festival at 80% capacity across the two weekends.
Emphasis on “surprise.” Vampire Weekend were joined by Paris Hilton, which is *checks notes* not a prank (I wonder if they performed “Stars Are Blind”?). They played a game of cornhole and then an Abraham Lincoln lookalike appeared onstage. Weirdly, this entire sequence happened in a dream of mine last week.
In a similarly odd turn of events, Sky Ferreira, an artist known for RSVP-ing “maybe” to her own sets, crashed Kevin Abstract’s performance to cover Lady A’s “Need You Now” for some reason. The backing instrumentation was produced by Quadeca. Again, for some reason.
Meanwhile on planet Earth, Tyler, the Creator invited Childish Gambino (you know, the guy from Community), Kali Uchis (y’all know who she is), and A$AP Rocky (the father of Rihanna’s children) on stage for his Saturday headlining set. Rocky pulled double duty when he performed alongside Sunday’s headliner Doja Cat with 21 Savage.
Lana Del Rey surprised fans by inviting Billie Eilish out on stage, then made her excited fans sad when they had to sit through an appearance by Jack Antonoff. Just kidding? If he reads this, yes.
Lastly, No Doubt got Paramore fans momentarily all excited when they recruited Olivia Rodrigo for a performance. Again, maybe kidding.
Check out fan shot footage of the VW/Paris ordeal below. Weekend two of the fest begins this Friday.
