Whether you were at the festival itself, or you were glued to your computer screen, this past weekend was all about the first weekend of Coachella, which featured one amazing performance after another, for three jam-packed days. Gotye held the flag up high for Australia (though pulled the live stream last minute), and impressed, but what else impressed us? Here’s a look back at our top SIX Coachella moments for 2012:
6. Bon Iver “Wolves” Singalong opening for Radiohead
In his first performance at Coachella under the Bon Iver pseudonym, Justin Vernon delivered one of the most awe-inspiring sets of the festival, serving as openers for Radiohead. The massive singalong for “Wolves” to close out the set is not something I’ll soon forget… I think I’ve still got goosebumps! – Larry Heath
5. Dr Dre bringing Kendrick Lamar on stage for “The Recipe”
Not only is Dr Dre giving massive exposure to one of the most promising hip-hop acts of 2012, he is giving shine to undoubtedly his best production in over a decade. ‘The Recipe’ is a song which will finally bring some credibility back to the west coast, after Game has been representing L.A with faux-gangsta pop.
Kendrick Lamar is the long-awaited L.A answer to Nas and now the whole world knows who he is. For me, this was the most exciting thing about a set filled with exciting things. – Christopher Singh
4. Jarvis Cocker and Pulp bringing the swagger…
For his charisma, entertaining attitude, rad dance moves and hilarious banter – “I’m usually impeccable with my timing… you should ask my wife” – Jarvis Cocker wins our vote as one of the best sets of the festival. He also gave the crowd a wonderful singalong (as he “penetrated” the crowd…) with “Common People”. Great times. Great guy. – Larry Heath and Nick Lalak
3. At The Drive-In back together again…
They haven’t performed together since they broke up way back in 2001 (aside for a small show in texas), when the disbanded and created The Mars Volta (Omar and Cedric) and Sparta (The rest of the guys). So to see them all back together again was pretty special for some fans, myself included.
Cedric’s voice however didn’t sound that amazing and Omar seemed nonchalant about the whole affair, but you could see the passion in Jim’s face, who clearly was very emotional about the whole affair. It was just a special moment for fans of punk, because this little band from El Paso Texas changed the course of Punk/Post Hardcore music around the globe. – Sakib Hamid
… they were powerful and loud. From what I hear it seemed like some of them looked like they werent really pushing hard but in person they really going crazy and you could tell. “One Armed Scissor” killed it. – Nick Lalak
2. Radiohead. All of Radiohead.
To say we’re just a little bit excited for Radiohead’s forthcoming tour of Australia is an understatement, and this incredible performance in the desert of California – with a fantastic set list that incorporated almost all aspects of their career, alongside a spectacular live show – did nothing but increase that excitement. Here’s hoping they bring the full light show along with them… – Larry Heath
1. 2Pac Resurrected.
It’s the moment everyone is talking about… overshadowing the fact that Eminem, 50 Cent, Wiz K and many more also graced the Coachella stage in the epic Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg helmed set, which closed out the event. But it’s hard to argue why it did as such.
Reportedly spending anywhere between $100,000 and $400,000 on the technology, a digital Tupac ran around the stage performing “Hail Mary” and then “2 of Amerikaz most Wanted” with Snoop. It was at times awe-inspiring, at times bizarre, but when he and Snoop got the crowd moving together you knew it was something special. All I can think though now is: How long before the Jackson family resurrect Michael in the same way? – Larry Heath
You can learn more about what went down here: http://www.avconcepts.com/coachella-2012-3/
Some of the other bands we loved…
Manchester Orchestra – “Tight, tough and loud. An amazing set list and a total thrill to watch.” – Lauren Connelly
tUnE-yArDs – “…absolutely killing it in front of such a huge audience. A long time coming for this very talented woman.” – David Young
Lissie Maurus – “…arguably one of the most underrated songwriters working in the U.S. right now. A great, energetic set which bodes well for her sophomore record this year.” – David Young
Azealia Banks – “In less than half an hour, she validated every last bit of hype she has received. A scorching set.” – David Young
Childish Gambino – “I was particularly impressed when Childish Gambino performed with a broken foot. He had a surgical boot on, but still managed to bounce around the stage and show a lot of energy – plus he played a great selection of tracks.” – Jeremy Stevens “Can we PLEASE get this guy to Australia? Like, right now?” – David Young
The Hives – “How they keep doing it after all these years is anyone’s guess, but they remain one of the best live acts on the entire planet.” – David Young
The Shins – “I have to say that I was blown away by the finale of The Shins’ set, as the aural delight came in the form of “Sleeping Lessons”. It’s a mystery why the band never performed at Coachella before, however, they’ll fortunately be doing it all over again next weekend for the second round of the festival. Not a bad way to make their debut at one of the world’s biggest music events!” – Christine Khalil
Mazzy Star – “…for the eerie yet beautiful vocals and the tremendously awesome guitar work. Highlight track was Fade Into You.” – Nick Lalak
