Biggest mishaps at Coachella: star storms off stage, silent crowd row
Festival season has arrived, and Coachella in California is preparing for another year of iconic performances and unforgettable moments. With headliners like Lady Gaga, Travis Scott, Post Malone, and Green Day, this year promises to be exceptional for music lovers. However, the festival has already faced a setback with FKA Twigs canceling her performance due to visa issues.
Throughout its history, Coachella has experienced various disasters that have made headlines. From artists storming off stage to technical glitches, the festival has seen it all. Let’s take a look back at some of the biggest mishaps that have shaken the Coachella Valley.
In 2024, Grimes had a disastrous performance at Coachella due to technical difficulties. Starting her set on a mechanical spider at the Sahara stage, chaos erupted halfway through as her songs began playing at double the tempo, making them “unmixable.” Frustrated, Grimes explained the situation to the crowd, leading to an uncomfortable and cringeworthy moment. Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with some criticizing her lack of preparation for the performance.
One of the most controversial moments in Coachella history occurred in 2015 when Drake was unexpectedly kissed by Madonna during his set. The kiss left Drake visibly disgusted, and he later clarified that it was the taste of Madonna’s lipstick that shocked him, not the kiss itself. The incident became a talking point among fans and media outlets, adding to the festival’s list of unforgettable moments.
Blur’s performance in 2024 also caught attention when front-man Damon Albarn expressed frustration with the lackluster audience. Albarn’s attempt to lead a sing-along during their set fell flat, leading him to go on a rant on stage. The audience’s subdued response left many viewers puzzled, considering Blur was one of the festival’s headlining acts that year. Guitarist Graham Coxon later expressed his preference for enthusiastic crowds, suggesting that performing for a disengaged audience like Coachella’s was less fulfilling.
In 2011, Cee-Lo Green’s Coachella set ended in disaster as he arrived late and faced technical issues on stage. Expressing dissatisfaction with his time slot, Cee-Lo struggled to engage the audience, leading to many fans walking out mid-performance. The organizers eventually cut his mic, forcing him to end his set abruptly, leaving the audience confused and disappointed.
K-pop group LE SSERAFIM’s first performance at Coachella in 2024 was also marred by setbacks. Fans who were eager to see the group live were left disappointed by their lackluster performance, drawing unfavorable comparisons to other K-pop acts. The underwhelming display by LE SSERAFIM added to Coachella’s history of memorable but sometimes controversial moments.
Overall, Coachella’s legacy is filled with both iconic performances and infamous mishaps that have cemented its status as one of the most influential music festivals in the world. Fans eagerly anticipate each year’s lineup, hoping for unforgettable moments while bracing themselves for the unexpected disasters that have become part of Coachella’s allure.