The first weekend of Coachella brought many notable celeb (and relationship) sightings and unexpected performances (like Billie Eilish with Labrinth). Before this year’s festival comes to an end, we’re looking back at the more memorable moments of all time. From surprise guests to tech-y tricks, here are some of the performances we still think about today.
PEARL JAM PERFORMS IN THE DESERT
Coachella has become one of the most anticipated music festivals in the world, and it got its start when Pearl Jam boycotted venues controlled by Ticketmaster and performed at Empire Polo Club in Indio in 1993. Concert promoter Paul Tollett helped find the space and after the concert’s success, he came up with the idea to hold a larger festival on the grounds. The rest is music history.
PRINCE COVERS “CREEP”
It was a major win when organizers snagged Prince for the 2008 festival—and fans were left in awe by the song set, which in- cluded hits like “1999,” “Cream” and “Purple Rain,” plus a powerful 8-minute-long rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep.”
TUPAC COMES BACK
Coachella attendees were taken by surprise when rapper Tupac (who was killed in 1996 in a Las Vegas drive-by shooting) appeared onstage with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg at the 2012 concert — in hologram form. His likeness even boasted a “Thug Life” stomach tattoo, his signature sagging pants and Timberland boots.
MADONNA GETS FRISKY WITH DRAKE
Never one to shy away from controversy, Madonna stunned Drake during their 2015 performance when the Queen of Pop engaged in a serious onstage make-out session with him, prompting Drake to exclaim “What the f*** just happened?” to the equally shocked crowd.
RIHANNA SHOCKS FANS
Although she wasn’t officially scheduled to perform, Calvin Harris brought Rihanna out for a surprise appearance during the 2016 event, and the duo performed their hit single “We Found Love” for the enthralled crowd.
AXL ROSE STAYS SEATED
After breaking his foot during a set at L.A.’s Troubadour just weeks before the 2016 festival, Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose was forced to belt out hits like “Paradise City” and “Welcome to the Jungle” while sitting down.
BEY SLAYS
Beyoncé postponed her 2017 appearance after getting pregnant with twins Rumi and Sir, then made history in 2018 as the first Black woman to ever headline Coachella. She gave a star-studded performance during her set, bringing out former Destiny’s Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams as well as her sister Solange and rap star hubby Jay-Z as surprise guests.
WHEN HARRY MET SHANIA
Pop sensation Harry Styles made headlines for his unlikely Coachella surprise guest during his 2022 set — country music star Shania Twain. The pair performed a duet of her hits “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” and “You’re Still the One,” which sent fans into a frenzy.
